Ceres Plateau Syrah 2023 – Damascene

Overview

The Ceres Plateau Syrah 2023 from Damascene is one of the purest and most distinctive high-altitude expressions of South African Syrah. Planted at over 1,000 m above sea level, it embodies the extremes of mountain viticulture, where dramatic diurnal shifts, slow ripening, and exceptional natural balance shape a vibrant, precise, and elegant wine. The 2023 vintage benefited from a cold, wet winter followed by moderate flowering and cooler-than-average daytime temperatures, allowing slow, even ripening and superb natural acidity. The result is a Syrah of remarkable clarity, tension, and depth. Contains sulphites.

Wine History

Ceres Plateau Syrah comes from one of the most elevated vineyards in the Witzenberg Mountain Range. Damascene has consistently highlighted this vineyard for its extreme conditions: winter snow blankets, high-altitude winds, and diurnal shifts that slow ripening and concentrate flavors. In 2023, the fruit was hand-harvested between 29 February and 11 March, showing exceptional aromatic purity and vibrancy. This Syrah is invariably the last block harvested, reflecting the vineyard’s natural intensity and unique expression.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vines grow on Bokkeveld shale soils, rich in minerals and perfectly draining, which encourage deep roots and concentrated flavors. The high-altitude location, with its cold nights, moderate days, and frequent snow, preserves crisp acidity and dynamic tension in the grapes. Minimal intervention ensures that the fruit reflects the vineyard’s character while maintaining balance and freshness.

Cellar Approach

Winemaking is gentle to preserve the inherent intensity of Ceres Plateau Syrah. Approximately 60% of the fruit is fermented as whole clusters, with the remainder destemmed and fermented as whole berries. Fermentation occurs spontaneously in tulip-shaped concrete fermenters using the submerged-cap technique, softening tannins while maintaining clarity. Both primary and malolactic fermentations occur naturally. The wine matures for 11 months in 2,000 L Austrian oak foudres and is bottled without fining to ensure a complex, authentic Syrah. Contains sulphites.

Tasting Notes

• Colour: bright ruby red with violet highlights.

• Nose: blood orange pith, white pepper, and a subtle lavender lift.

• Palate: energetic and precise, with sour cherry, raspberry, ripe blackberry, and a stony mineral finish, framed by elegant, fine tannins.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with roasted white meat, duck, glazed ribs, or moderately spiced dishes. Excellent with grilled mushrooms, medium-aged cheeses, or Mediterranean-style vegetarian dishes enhanced by herbs and light roasting. Contains sulphites.

Technical Sheet

• Varietal: 100% Syrah

• Region: Ceres Plateau, Witzenberg Mountain Range

• Altitude: over 1,000 m

• Soil: Bokkeveld shale

• Fermentation: spontaneous, 60% whole clusters

• Aging: 11 months in 2,000 L Austrian oak foudres

• Total production: 3,639 × 750 ml + 106 × 1,500 ml

• Alcohol: 12.86% vol

• pH: 3.46

• Total acidity (TA): 5.7 g/L

• Residual sugar (RS): 1.8 g/L

• Serving temperature: 15–16 °C

• Contains sulphites

Damascene Winery

Damascene Winery

History

The Damascene winery was founded in 2017 through the collaboration between winemaker Jean Smit and wine entrepreneur David Curl, marking a new chapter in South African fine wine. After key experiences at leading Cape estates, Smit envisioned a project capable of expressing the depth and purity of the country’s most remote and fascinating terroirs. The name “Damascene” refers to a moment of revelation that inspired him to create a winery both artisanal and visionary. From the start, the ambition was clear: to craft wines that embody the true identity of South African vineyards, allowing nature itself to be the primary storyteller.

Vineyard Philosophy

Damascene’s viticultural philosophy is rooted in an ongoing search for the purest and most untouched terroirs across the Western Cape, with parcels located in Stellenbosch, Swartland, the Ceres Plateau and other areas defined by intense microclimates and ancient soils. The vineyards are farmed with minimal-intervention methods, relying on natural forces such as constant winds, organic soil management, self-produced mulch and meticulous manual care. The team collaborates closely with local farmers—guardians of long-standing traditions—emphasizing biodiversity, sustainability and authenticity. Every plot is cultivated to reflect its geological uniqueness and natural balance.

Cellar Approach

In the cellar, Damascene follows a method combining precision and restraint. Grapes are hand-harvested, cooled and transferred by gravity into concrete fermenters to preserve their freshness and integrity. Fermentations occur spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, contributing to aromatic depth and purity. Reds mature in large Austrian oak foudres, while whites rest in smaller neutral vessels, always with the lightest possible touch. Sulphites are used sparingly, added only before bottling to maintain a transparent expression of each vineyard’s character. Contains sulphites.

Values and Vision

Damascene represents a philosophy of winemaking that goes beyond technique, turning each bottle into a portrait of South Africa’s landscapes. The team travels thousands of kilometres to select high-altitude sites, isolated parcels and soils with rare geological identities. A portion of production is dedicated to experimentation, exploring new styles and interpretations of traditional varieties. The winery’s identity is built on a contemporary, curious and environmentally respectful vision, blending strong stylistic personality with absolute fidelity to the origin of the grapes. The result is a range of vibrant, precise and expressive wines that stand among the most compelling in the new South African wine scene.