Damascene Cederberg Syrah 2019
Vineyards
The La Chataigne Vineyard, on the banks of the Franschhoek river, is one of South Africa’s oldest Sémillon blocks, consisting of bush vines planted as early as 1942.
Winemaking & Maturation
The fruit was picked at 22.5-22.8ËšB before being chilled overnight at 8ËšC. In the cellar, whole clusters were sorted and pressed with a delicate champagne-cycle, and allowed to settle overnight. No enzymes were added during pressing, and minimal sulphur was used throughout vinification. No commercial yeasts were added during fermentation, as only native yeasts were involved in the making of our wines. Roughly 30% of the way through fermentation, the wine was transferred to 1000L oval Austrian oak foudres, followed by 11 months of sur lie maturation. This wine features some truly outstanding natural acidity, so we prevented malolactic conversion, as this would only serve to obscure that brightness. We also refrained from any batonnage (for the same reason).
Tasting Note
A gradual crescendo of aromas begins with savoury flint and sea spray, leading into the herbal notes of fynbos, white peach, and dried apricot. Over time, these elements evolve, introducing ripe cling peach, tangerine, and pineapple. The palate is both supremely weighted and textured; managing to marry juicy citrus with structured chalky dryness. Its broad entry carries creamy lemon curd elements, alongside ripe stone fruit, and juicy Sicilian blood orange. The finish carries hints of baked apple and cardamom. Being an old vine wine, this is a beauty that reveals itself over time. If you have the restraint, drink this wine over a few days to see how it evolves.
