Perhaps the most aromatically complex of the Damascene Syrahs, this Stellenbosch stalwart positively brims with five spice, citrus rind, red plum, cherries, musk candy and white pepper. The palate delivers a gentle mélange of red plums, cherry skins, and whispers of smoked game. This opening spreads right across the palate, and runs through with seams of star anise, white pepper and cloves. Tannins are moderate in weight, and superbly tidy in the way they present on the finish.

Two vineyards contribute to the making of this wine. The higher of the two blocks was planted in 1996 on a southeast-facing granitic slope at Karibib, in the Polkadraai Hills. It’s situated at 290 m ASL; 13 km from False Bay. The second granitic block is a northwest-facing block in the Bottelary Hills, planted at 275m ASL.

ANALYSIS: ALC 13% | TA 4.6 g/l | RS 1.2 g/l | pH 3.7