Damascene W.O Swartland Syrah 2022

Region: Swartland

Tasting note:

‘From three divergent Swartland sites. Soils of granite, schist, shale and ferricrete act as building blocks to achieve striking, harmonious balance. The purity, perfume and spice of granite-grown fruit is complemented by the more earthy tones of grapes harvested from shale and schist outcrops, imbuing the wine with structure and depth. By far the moodiest of the Damascene Syrah trio, the Swartland expression opens with impressive aromatic depth; showing wild blackberries, aniseed, mulberries, and savoury Kalamata olive tapenade. The weighty palate keeps pace with the vanguard, possessing the power to support vivid ripe blackberry and black plum fruit, underpinned by tightly-wound, firm black cherry skin tannins. The muscled fruit core is garnished with star anise, Sichuan pepper, and accents of clove, along with subtle touches of red peppercorn on the plum-laden finish.’ – Winemaker

“Grapes from Riebeeksrivier on schist and Paardeberg on granite. 75% whole-bunch fermented. Matured for 11 months in 2 000-litre vats. Flinty reduction before red and black berries, lavender, olive, some meatiness and pepper. Rich and round – lots of ripe fruit, moderate acidity and powdery tannins. Alc: 12.93%.” – CE