- 100% Semillon
- Ancient bush vines located on the edges of the Franschhoek Valley with 2 blocks dating back to 1932 and 1962
- Table Mountain sandstone and rockier subsoil
- 15% of the vines have naturally morphed into the rare Sémillon Gris mutation, which Damascene preserves with careful pruning
- Hand harvested
- Whole clusters were sorted and pressed using a delicate champagne cycle
- The juice settled overnight before transfer to 1000L Austrian oak foudres for fermentation by indigenous yeasts
- Malolactic conversion was deliberately prevented to preserve the wine’s remarkable natural acidity
- Aged sur lie for 11 months in 1000L Austrian oak vats at 6–8°C
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2024
Country:
South Africa
Region:
Western Cape
Appellation:
Franschhoek
Variety:
Semillon
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | ZA-DAM-20-24 | 6/750ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
Wine Advocate
Score
95
Date
2026-02-26
"The Damascene 2024 Franschhoek Semillon comes from old bush vines planted in 1932 and 1962 on decomposed Table Mountain sandstone. It was whole-bunch pressed on a Champagne cycle before spontaneous fermentation and 11 months of aging in oval Austrian oak vats. The bouquet is elegant and layered, with preserved lemon, apricot and sweet nuttiness carried by a medium- to full-bodied palate that remains poised and refined. These ancient sandstone soils, low in fertility and high in drainage, contribute to the wine,s tension and longevity. Production totals 2,746 bottles."
James Suckling
Score
94
Date
2025-08-22
"This vibrant white shows pineapples, beeswax, lemon leaves, sage and licorice on the nose. It,s full-bodied but sharp and lively, with a waxy texture and racy acidity. Persistent. Drink or hold."
Vinous
Score
92
Date
2025-10-02
"The 2024 Sšmillon Old Bush Vines Franschhoek comes from vines planted in 1932 and 1962, whole cluster pressed and matured in oval Austrian oak for 11 months. This has a reserved bouquet at first, then unfurls with light walnut oil and resin aromas that are well defined. The palate is well balanced with a slightly viscous entry, a little tangy in style with a dash of lemongrass towards the spicy finish. Quite a cerebral Sšmillon that deserves a couple of years in bottle to show what it can do. There's real complexity here."