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
‘There was no Merlot Reserve in 2011, so it’s good to welcome back one of the Cape’s best expressions of the grape. A vineyard and barrel selection with 75% new oak, it’s plush and complex, with granular tannins, mint and cut grass aromas and a sheen of oak. Long, complex and very satisfying on the palate. Drink: 2015-22.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 94/100
‘Good bright red-ruby. Ripe aromas of plum, currant and chocolate. Lush and smooth on the palate, with sweet plum, dark chocolate and spice flavors conveying lovely sucrosité for a wine with just 2.4 grams per liter of sugar. Finishes chewy but not dry or phenolic, with broad, plush tannins and mouth-saturating length and perfume.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 91/100 (Apr 2015)
‘Occasional release is easily warranted in 2012 with lots of spice, leather, cooked plums & dried meat providing intriguing & concentrated core. Soft tannins add structure while oak asserts with fresh aniseed finish.’ – Platter's SA Wine Guide 2016, 4.5*
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