"The 2021 Syrah Swartland comes from predominantly schist soils. The bouquet is more powerful and floral than that of the Stellenbosch, with crushed iris flowers and peonies complementing scents of black plum and white pepper. The medium-bodied palate has more grip than Stellenbosch. It almost resembles a Cornas, with notes of black olive on the saline finish. This is Syrah with guts without compromising its elegance. 2025-2045" (Vinous 2023)
Features
Estate
Domaine Damascene
Cuvée
Syrah WO Swartland
Vintage
2021
Designation
Swartland
Region
South Africa
Grape varieties
100% Syrah
Terroirs
Granite and shale soils, warm Mediterranean climate, vineyards of Langkloof, Riebeek West Mountains and Leeuwenkuil
Viticulture
Reasoned
Harvest
Manual
Winemaking
Whole bunch fermentation from 50 to 75% depending on the plot, using indigenous yeasts, in concrete vats and barrels.
Breeding
11 months in wooden vats, unglued, light filtration
Alcohol content
12,5%
Tasting & pairing
Eye
Ruby-red colour, shiny disk
Nose
Fruity and spicy effluvia, aromas of wild berries, cherry and raspberry, pure and floral bouquet, notes of pepper and plum skin.
Mouth
Elegant, mineral attack, well-structured, good acidity, powdery tannins, persistent black cherry finish.
Serve
AT 16-18°C
Open
1 hour before
Production
Produced in 4900 bottles and 50 magnums
Food and wine pairing
Enjoy with mature Limousin prime rib, duck breast with honey, mussels à la Provençale...
Damascene Estate
Swartland
Expert opinion
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Rated (guide 2023) 94/100 (Wonderful wine)
About the wine:
Expressing a refined floral essence, Swartland Syrah 2021 offers a layered nose with savory spices and dark red fruit tones. More savory than Stellenbosch Syrah, Swartland Syrah has delicious mineral tension and a medium-bodied expression that offers fine-grained tannins on the gourmet finish. I think it will improve with time; please be patient. 2025-2040
Vinous A. Galloni
Wine rated (guide 2023) 93/100
About the wine:
The 2021 Syrah Swartland comes from predominantly schist soils. The bouquet is more powerful and floral than that of the Stellenbosch, with crushed iris flowers and peonies complementing scents of black plum and white pepper. The medium-bodied palate has more grip than Stellenbosch. It almost resembles a Cornas, with notes of black olive on the saline finish. This is Syrah with guts without compromising its elegance. 2025-2045
James Suckling
Wine rated (guide 2023) 93/100
About the wine:
It has aromas of pepper, raspberry, blackberry, clove and roasted herbs. Deliciously peppery and savory, it is medium-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Elegant, concentrated and tight. Long-lasting. Best from 2024.
Customer reviews
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