Damascene Cederberg Syrah 2019
Vineyards
Cederberg, South Africa
Winemaking & Maturation
Cederberg’s Syrahs have intensity. 30- 60% of whole clusters were used during fermentation for the various batches. The rest of the fruit was only destemmed, but left as whole berries. Pump-overs are limited to a maximum of two a day during the peak of fermentation (done in open-top fermenters and two 1000-litre oak foudres.
Tasting Note
Lifted aromatics of dried wildflowers, confetti bush and cool slate sketch out a vision of this Syrah vineyard’s mountainous home 940 metres above sea level. Brooding cassis tumbles along with fresh-cut lavender. Saffron witchcraft teases the edge of the senses, hinting at a place unknown, of virgin terroir. The palate is supple and lithe, packed with energy, coiled around its core of pure, intense dark fruit, driven by a piquant acidity forged in the isolation of cold nights. Layers of tannins, mouth-coating and elegant bond together for a structure that is as fine-boned as it is made out of steel. The blackcurrant finish takes laps around the palate in an unbroken circle.
