Thelema
Merlot Reserve 2008
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 124
Thelema
Merlot Reserve 2008
About this Item
Thelema is a leading high-altitude estate on the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, established by the McLean family and long a benchmark for Cape Cabernet, with wines made by Rudi Schultz. This is its Merlot Reserve, a top barrel selection. 2008 was a cool, classic Cape vintage. Tim Atkin MW scored it 93 in his South Africa Special Report 2013, and Platter's awarded it 4.5 stars.
Provenance
Single-Owner Private Collection
Critics Ratings
“Gyles Webb is adept with a number of different varieties, but his Merlots stand out, partly because they have less competition in the Cape. This isn’t short of oak, but the toasty flavours are underpinned by freshness, mint and a backbone of tannin, all enveloped in sweet, plushly-textured fruit.” - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2013, 93/100 (Sep 2013)
“Serious but good-humoured 2008 (last was 2006); spice & tobacco reveal 85% new oak, while 15% alc, softly firm tannins & lingering, full, sweet-fruited flavour reveal the full ripeness of the grapes. Fine & harmonious.” - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2011, 4.5*
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