The more tightly wound of Damascene's two Chenin Blancs, this is built around salt, flint and a core of piercing citrus that never lets go.

This Chenin Blanc is rooted in the granitic outcrops of the Paardeberg, and all three contributing vineyards lie roughly 37 km from the West Coast. Two sites sit on a hilltop at the north-western edge of the mountain, planted in 1971 and 1979 (54 and 46 years old at the 2025 harvest), where decomposed granite pushed to the surface by ancient dolomite adds tension and acidic grip. The third site, Jakkalsfontein, was planted in 1986 on a north-facing slope, with old bush vines on decomposed granite over clay-rich subsoils that give depth and natural concentration.

The 2025 season in the Swartland began wet, with above-average winter rainfall and especially heavy July rain. Cold units started slowly but caught up by the end of August, budburst came seven to ten days late but even and complete, and véraison was even across all blocks. One sharp rise in temperature at Christmas was followed by cool nights and healthy vineyards, letting flavour build while sugar was in no hurry. The fruit was hand-harvested between 28 January and 11 February, the last of it nearly two weeks later than in 2024.

Grapes were chilled overnight to 8 °C, then whole clusters were hand-sorted, pressed on a gentle champagne cycle, settled overnight and fermented in 1,000 litre Austrian oak foudres. Lees in suspension were retained to keep natural turbidity, and no sulphur or enzymes were used during winemaking, with most batches receiving sulphur for the first time just before bottling. Malolactic conversion was blocked to protect the vivid acidity, no bâtonnage was performed, and the wine rested on its lees for ten months at 6 to 8 °C.

Tasting Notes: Taut, mineral, and remarkably focused,  a wine defined by tension and precision. Aromas of orange blossom, jasmine, and lemon rind unfold alongside white peach and subtle chalky minerality. The palate is vibrant and driven, layering fresh citrus, pink grapefruit, and hints of stone fruit over a striking saline and flinty core. Bright acidity brings energy and structure, while notes of tart apricot emerge with time in the glass. Long, crystalline, and intensely refreshing, the finish lingers with echoes of fresh-cut lemon, wet stone, and sea salt, capturing the purity and character of old-vine Swartland Chenin Blanc.

Food Pairing: The wine shines alongside fresh, vibrant dishes that mirror its saline freshness and citrus-driven energy. Fresh oysters, ceviche, grilled prawns, and sashimi are natural partners, with the wine's bright acidity and mineral core enhancing every bite. Its zesty character also makes it a superb match for Mexican cuisine, particularly fish tacos with lime crema, grilled shrimp tacos, aguachile, or citrus-marinated ceviche, where the wine's tension and freshness complement the bold flavours without overwhelming them. A goat's cheese and citrus salad or crisp calamari further highlights its crystalline purity and lively finish. Serve at 8 to 10°C and allow a little time in the glass for its layers of citrus, stone fruit, and minerality to fully unfold.

‘From three Paardeberg vineyards, planted in 1971, 1979 and 1986 respectively. Matured for 10 months in a combination of 1,000 litre foudre and concrete. Teasing aromatics of pear, peach, lime, lemon, herbs, fynbos and a faint flinty reduction. The palate is all precision and tension with arresting acidity and a bone-dry, exceptionally persistent finish. Restrained and direct, yet with enough fruit weight to avoid either leanness or severity. Alc: 11.83%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100 | Serious

'This wine has an extraordinarily refined and tight nose. The palate is a sharpened Japanese blade on entry, the concrete-matured portion adding a hint of flint. So fine and delicate – aromatically there are hints of flowers, lime, fynbos and just a touch of tarragon. So visceral! The nose slowly opens up to tart citrus zest, sea breeze, hay and fruit. A gentle tease.' – James Pietersen, September 2026

ANALYSIS: ALC 11.83% | TA 6.0g/L | pH 3.17 | RS 1.5g/L