Damascene Ceres Plateau Syrah 2022
Standard - 75cl
- Vintage2022
- ColourRed
- ProducerDamascene
- CountrySouth Africa
- RegionWestern Cape
- DesignationWO
- Bottle SizeStandard - 75cl
- ABV13.5
- LWIN30143702022
- Avg. Critic Score4.3★★★★★★★★★★
Wine Critic Reviews
The Ceres Plateau already has a bit of form as a high-altitude Syrah region and this first release from Jean Smit will only add to that. Made with the submerged cap technique to keep the tannins soft, this is a racy, focused, fynbos and rose petal-scented red with Asian spice and red berry fruit, plenty of acidity and a tangy mineral core. 2026-35
- Reviewer Name: Tim Atkin MW
The 2022 Syrah from Bokkeveld Shales utilizes 60% whole cluster fruit matured for 11 months in 2,000-liter Austrian oak. This has a more fruit-intense bouquet, perhaps partly from using submerged cap during fermentation. There’s blueberry and blackberry fruit, just a hint of iodine and garrigue surfacing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins, a slightly powdery texture, and a touch of flintiness emerging towards the finish. Very pure in style, gaining volume with aeration. I foresee this cuvée closing down for 2-3 years before exiting the other side. Great potential, but one for the patient.
- Drinking Window: 2028 - 2048
- Reviewer Name: Neal Martin