Thelema
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay 2013, 2009
South African Wines
About the SessionThe South African session brings together a selection of the Cape’s most historic and celebrated wines, spanning decades of winemaking heritage. From Kanonkop, Meerlust and Rustenberg to Klein Constantia and Thelema, the collection showcases landmark Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux-style blends and the iconic Vin de Constance, offering collectors a rare opportunity to explore some of South Africa’s most enduring and influential wines across multiple vintages.
LOT 123
Thelema
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay 2013, 2009
About this Item
This lot consists of the following wines
Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Thelema Chardonnay 2009
Thelema is one of the Cape’s benchmark estates, established by the McLean family on the cool, high slopes of the Simonsberg above Stellenbosch and made famous by the pioneering Gyles Webb. This lot pairs two sides of its range: the Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, a variety for which Thelema has long been a Cape reference, and the Chardonnay 2009, one of the wines that first built the estate’s reputation for polished, ageworthy whites. A red and a white from a single distinguished address.
Provenance
Single-Owner Private Collection
Critics Ratings
Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
"Aged 20 months in 40% new French oak, there is lovely varietal typicity here (despite the sneaky splash of Petit Verdot in the blend), with a dusty mineral nose of dried basil and thyme, hints of fynbos, graphite, and perfumed potpourri dried herb spice. Beautifully textured, the palate shows great purity and precision and intelligent winemaking. Like all the Thelema wines, there are fine polished tannins, real elegance, focus and finesse. Classy and classical, this is an impressive expression of Stellenbosch Cabernet with complexity, age-ability, and confidence of style." - Greg Sherwood MW, 94/100
"This blend of Cabernet with 15% Petit Verdot comes from 12-year-old vineyards on the Simonsberg and it's a gem. Cedarwood, tobacco, plum and blackcurrant flavours dance around a core of savoury tannins and bright acidity. 2017-24." - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 93/100 (Sep 2017)
"Standout fruit in 2013, deep & intense, seamed by firm, dry tannin from 18 months oaking, 45% new. Built to last but careful hands ensured a balance between current enjoyment & a future. Still an infant, the best lies ahead." - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2018, 4.5* (92/100)
Thelema Chardonnay 2009
"Deep golden straw colour with a healthy tint of green. The nose is fully mature, but also holding lots of life for a 17 year old white. Alluring, rich savoury notes of roasted nuts, salted caramel and raw honey are lifted by lime zest and peach stones. The palate shows the power in the whites from this era, with toasty oak completely integrated in the layered citrus and stone fruit. Saline, savory and appetising in the finish. Lovely example of the era, well preserved under screw cap. Drink through the next 2-3 years.' - Higgo Jacobs, 92/100 (Aug 2026)
"Aged for 10 months in French oak (30% new) the 2009 Chardonnay has a luscious, creamy bouquet with touches of vanilla and almond. The palate is well balanced with a precise entry, good acidity and a linear, strict, leesy finish." - Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 90/100 (Aug 2011)
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