We have been eagerly awaiting the second-ever release from Damascene, having raced through their first vintage last year and we are pleased to say that the wines have finally arrived.  

Damascene is the exciting brainchild of the supremely talented Jean Smit, formerly of Boekenhoutskloof, and David Curl, who used to own Bordeaux’s Château Gaby. Together they have scoured South Africa, eyeing up small parcels of old vines that perfectly express the potential of this dynamic wine-country. A standout newcomer this year is the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are sourced from mature vineyards in Stellenbosch, parcels perched high up among the rocky outcrops of the Helderberg, Bottelary and Polkadraai Hills. These sites are world-class, producing fruit of outstanding purity and freshness. The winemaking shows a deft hand – this is the only wine that sees any new oak – resulting in distinctive wines that speak of their pristine origins.

The production is tiny – there are only 2,000 bottles of this maiden vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon. We strongly recommend getting your hands on it before it’s gone. The wine is simply delicious, a perfect marriage of the ripe richness that you would expect to find from the New World, partnered by Old World balance and finesse. Deeply expressive and charming on the nose, elegant silky tannins follow with a purity of fruit that is just so inviting. Jean is constantly searching for new parcels, for his next ‘Damascene moment’ and we cannot wait to see what more he has in store.    

Best wishes,
Ophelia & The Lea & Sandeman Team