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.
The mint-laced section of the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon has been produced separately since 2004 and has received a cult following since.
Critics Ratings
‘Fresh sweet spearmint & dark chocolates combining to rather overwhelm black fruit, Well-managed oak & softish tannins make for very pleasant drinking.’ - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2015, 4.5*
'A wine that does exactly what it says on the label, this varietal Cabernet (made mostly from the 163 clones) has been bottled alone since 2004. Rich, concentrated and eucalyptus perfumed, it’s stylish and long with nuances of dried herbs and chocolate and a refreshing
finish. Drink: 2014-21' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2014, 94/100
‘This is defined by a prominent minty note that weaves in and around the supple core of currant and blackberry paste flavors. Light espresso accents shade the finish, with a twinge of iron. Offers a fine-grained feel. Drink now through 2017.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (Feb 2015)
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