Which Chenin? - Stellenbosch (Karibib) offers richness and composition; Swartland (Paardeberg) delivers granite-driven tension and power.  Swartland leans towards citrus, energy, and ginger; Stellenbosch provides broader fruit and complexity.

This is the more tightly wound of our two Damascene Chenins, the 2024 Stellenbosch bottling brims with texture and tension.

Damascene Stellenbosch Old Vine Chenin Blanc is a blend of fruit from three sites in the Bottelary ward: Sonop, Houmoed, and Mooiplaas. All three sites are situated on hilltops at 325–340 m ASL. On the southern end, the Mooiplaas vineyard was planted in 1981 into granitic soils. In contrast, the Houmoed vineyard was planted into greywacke soils in 1972, making it 52 years old at the time of the 2024 harvest. Finally, the Sonop vineyard to the north was planted into shale soils in 1982, making it 42 years old at the time of the 2024 harvest.

Tasting Notes: The nose is mineral‑edged, carrying gravel and chalk with flickers of lemon peel and gentle herbal flourishes. The palate is pithy and taut, with white peach and white grapefruit coiled around a waxy, textural core. Time in the glass reveals soft herbal puffs and a brush of wild grasses, while the finish lingers with citrus zest and a quiet echo of stony minerality. A wine of restraint and gradually unfolding detail, it rewards time both in the cellar and in the glass.

‘The 2024 Chenin Blanc Old Bush Vines Stellenbosch is whole cluster pressed and matured in a 1,000-litre oval Austrian vat for 1l months. This has a more perfumed bouquet than the Sémillon, with yellow plum and jasmine scents, hints of nectarine coming through with aeration. The palate is well balanced with a smooth opening. Very harmonious, not the weightiest of Damascene's cuvées, but there is an engaging sweetness on the finish with a touch of orange rind towards the finish. Delivers the texture and the fruit that you want from a Chenin Blanc from old vines. 2026 - 2045’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 93/100

ANALYSIS: ALC 12.7% | TA 6. g/l | pH 3.15 | RS1.9 g/l