Prestigious Family Wineries
Live Virtual Auction, 23 July 2023
Prestigious family wineries | Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Raats Family Wines and Savage Wines
About this Item
Thelema, the Greek word for ‘will’, was a charming dilapidated fruit farm until Gyles Webb came along and purchased the farm with the help of his wife’s family in 1983. Placed at the top of the Helshoogte Pass, Thelema is one of the highest and coolest estates in the area, its deep red soils make it ideal for premium quality wine grape production. At a time when the South African wine scene was focused on quantity rather than quality, Webb was a trailblazing pioneer on a mission to craft world-class wines. Construction began on the winery in 1987, and Thelema produced its first vintage in 1988. Winemaking since 2000 has been in the capable hands of Rudi Schultz, with Gyles's son Thomas involved in running the business.
Critics Ratings
‘Much, much more savoury than most – bravo! Luscious texture and no shortage of tannins and interest. Really well made and, presumably, grown, with a tingle on the finish. Very accomplished.’ - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Feb 2020)
‘Sold out in South Africa, but still available on some overseas markets, this is a superb Simonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon which highlights the brilliance of the 2015 vintage. Grassy, elegant and refined, with 45% new wood, filigree tannins and remarkable presence and weight. 2020-30.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2019, 94/100
'Impressive crafting & balance, 2015 confirms why Stellenbosch is renowned for its cabs. Intensely flavoured & perfumed, cassis & spice, hint of graphite, supported by fine-grained tannins. Musculature for a long life.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2021, 5* (96/100)
‘Complex crème de cassis and green leaf aromas, while the palate is plush yet wonderfully elegant with a real acid vibrancy and black fruit concentration on the finish. Impressive.’ - Tim Atkin, Decanter.com, 92/100 (Aug 2018)
‘Cassis and blackberry paste mingle with black currant leaf, fresh wild mint and green peppercorn on the nose of this complex red. The palate is full and plush in feel, with robust black fruit flavors that mirror the bouquet and are framed by velvety tannins that lend ample grip through the enduring close. Hints of cigar box and leathery spice add depth to the end.’ - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100
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