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
'Name-giving herbaceous note prominent but in harmony with serious fruit on big, impressive 2009, whose power doesn't preclude charm. Strongly built, with 10 years to go - still very youthful.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2012, 4.5*
‘Good red-ruby. Highly perfumed nose combines currant, eucalyptus, wild herbs and licorice pastille. Richer and deeper than the basic cabernet bottling, with smooth dark berry flavors accented by mint and herbs. Here the tannins are sweet and noble, allowing the dark fruit and herb flavors to carry well on the long aftertaste. Yes, The Mint is minty, but it has the courage of its convictions.’ - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 91/100 (May 2013)
‘The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon The Mint does exactly what it says on the tin, with a well-composed minty nose that is not powerful but is crisp and lively. The palate is well balanced with ripe, tensile tannins, crisp acidity and pure blackberry and raspberry fruit laced with (you guessed it...mint!) It is a very fine Cabernet to enjoy over the next 6 to 8-years. Drink now-2020.’ - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 90/100 (Dec 2012)
‘A lovely old-school version, with an alluring mint note up front, followed by lightly mulled blackberry, black currant and plum fruit that moves seamlessly through the supple, cocoa powder–dusted finish. Drink now through 2016.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 90/100 (Dec 2012)
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