Damascene – Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Overview

The Damascene Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a polished and finely built expression of Stellenbosch, shaped by granitic slopes, ocean-cooled breezes and meticulous low-intervention viticulture. The vintage produced small berries with natural acidity and remarkable aromatic clarity, resulting in a Cabernet that balances intensity with precision, depth with purity, structure with finesse. From the first impression it reveals layered black fruit, mineral drive and beautifully stitched tannins, offering freshness, longevity and unmistakable regional identity. Contains sulfites.

History of the Wine

This cuvée is rooted in Stellenbosch’s long-standing tradition of producing South Africa’s most refined Cabernet Sauvignon. The two vineyards selected—planted from 2001 on ancient granitic formations—were chosen after years of trial vinifications demonstrating consistent structural focus, elegance and varietal purity. Their maturity in 2022 provided even greater definition, with fruit density combining seamlessly with lifted aromatics and vital acidity. This vintage confirms the vineyard’s ability to deliver a Cabernet that stands among the most articulate and terroir-driven interpretations of the region.

Vineyard Philosophy

The fruit comes from elevated granitic slopes less than 20 km from the Atlantic, where decomposed granite, pockets of laterite and iron-rich layers encourage low vigour and natural concentration. One site near Vlottenburg, with deep laterite beneath granite topsoil, produces firmer tannins and greater structural intensity. The Helderberg site, facing northeast, delivers extremely low yields with striking acidity and compact fruit. Viticulture follows a minimal-intervention philosophy, with all work performed manually to ensure canopy precision, healthy biodiversity and optimal light exposure. The goal is clarity, authenticity and tension. Contains sulfites.

Cellar Approach

The 2022 fruit was hand-harvested between 10 and 16 March and destemmed before being gravity-fed into tulip-shaped concrete fermenters. Whole berries underwent a three-day cold soak to enhance aromatic purity and colour definition. Fermentation peaked at 28 °C with gentle pump-overs for measured extraction. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation took place in French barriques (40% new). The wine was racked twice: first after 11 months, when it was transferred into 2,000 L Austrian foudres, and again shortly before bottling. A total of 18 months in oak refined structure and stability, followed by 10 months in bottle before release. Contains sulfites.

Tasting Notes

Colour: deep ruby with violet reflections and brilliant density.
Nose: blackcurrant, blueberry, maraschino cherry, graphite and fresh fennel.
Palate: focused and pure, combining crisp blackcurrant, softer blueberry tones, fine cherry-skin tannins and a lingering finish of cherry and gentle anise spice.

Food Pairing

Ideal with lamb rack, grilled fillet, elegant braises, game ragù, roasted mushrooms, aged cheeses and Mediterranean dishes with smoky nuances. A versatile Cabernet of great gastronomic appeal. Contains sulfites.

Technical Sheet

• Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

• Origin: Stellenbosch

• Clones: CS337, CS46

• Vine age: planted from 2001

• Harvest: 10–16 March

• Fermentation: concrete tulip tanks, 3-day cold soak, fermentation up to 28 °C

• Malolactic: spontaneous in French barriques (40% new)

• Aging: 18 months total between barriques and 2,000 L foudres + 10 months bottle aging

• Production: 4097 x 750 ml, 171 x 1500 ml

• Bottling date: 12 September 2024

• Alcohol: 13.38% vol

• pH: 3.62

• TA: 5.5 g/L

• RS: 1.8 g/L

• Serving temperature: 16–17 °C

• Contains sulfites

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.