Damascene Vineyards

Syrah 'Stellenbosch'

Syrah 'Stellenbosch'

Syrah Stellenbosch Damascene
  • 100% Syrah
  • Sourced from two distinct vineyard sites in the Stellenbosch district: a SE-facing slope in the Polkadraai Hills, planted in 1996, and a NW facing low yielding site in the Bottelary ward, planted in 2001
  • The Polkadraai Hills site makes up 80% of the final blend
  • Decomposed granite
  • Hand harvested into numerous smaller fermentation batches, with the whole cluster fraction of each batch ranging from 60-75% per vessel, which took place in tulip-shaped concrete fermenters and 1000L conical French oak vats, with pump-overs twice per day
  • The remaining two 1000-liter conical oak vats were treated with the ‘submerged cap’ technique
  • Aged for 11 months in 2000L Austrian oak vats
  • Bottled unfined

Info

Vintage:
2022
Country:
South Africa
Region:
Stellenbosch
Appellation:
Stellenbosch
Variety:
Syrah
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Sustainable

Sizes Available

Full Bottle ZA-DAM-31-22 6/750ml

Resources

Press & Reviews

James Suckling
Score
93
Date
2023-11-06
"Scented and authentic with aromas of dark cherries, plums, black pepper, smoke and dried violets. Full body with chewy tannins. Dense and compact with character and an intense development of dark berries and spices on the mid-palate. Focused and serious finish with excellent length. Drink or hold."
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2023-11-02
"The 2022 Syrah from Karabib is 75% whole clusters matured for 11 months in 2,000-liter Austrian oak. This elegant nose of incense and pressed violets infuses the vivacious melange of black and blue fruit. The medium-bodied palate has fine structure, slightly chalky in texture, with real backbone and density, yet the elegance floods through on the black pepper and clove-infused finish. Very persistent in the mouth. Tuck bottles away for several years as this is a serious Syrah sculpted by its cooler microclimate."