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
'Iconic label shows the usual understatement in 07, cassis fruit, sanguine & spice notes; plush centre cushions sturdy (for softer vtge) tannins, extends the finish. As always, structure to improve many yrs. 20 mths oak, 50% new.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2010, 4.5*
‘The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a bolder, slightly minty nose with a dark core of dusty fruit that is slightly stewed, similar to a compote. Still expressive, the nose shows great depth with many lively layers. On the palate, the wine shows great focus and precision with dense, chewy blackberry tones. The tannins are silky, while the wine shows balance with energetic acidity. Full-bodied and with a long finish, the wine is at a nice spot now but will continue to age for a couple more years.’ - Anthony Mueller, Wine Advocate, 92/100 (Oct 2019)
‘Rich but precise, with a gorgeous beam of mulled black currant fruit backed by fig cake, loam and mint notes. The long, velvety finish stays well-focused. Drink now through 2014.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Apr 2010)
‘Full medium red-ruby. Cassis, licorice, wild herbs and spices on the inviting nose. Then ripe and sweet in the mouth, with good juicy definition and lift to the cassis and spice flavors. Finishes with sweet, well-buffered tannins and lovely persistence. Always an ageworthy wine but this vintage also offers plenty of early appeal.’ - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 91/100 (Mar 2011)
Concours Mondiale 2011 – Gold Medal
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