Left Bank Bordeaux
Live Virtual Auction, 7 November 2021
Fine Wine
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
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.
POSSIBLE ORIGIN OF “MINT” / EUCALYPTOL CHARACTER The most likely source of the “mint” character could be attributed to the airborne transfer from the Eucalyptus trees, which border this specific Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard, to the grape berries. It is believed that the berries outer wax layer could adsorb Eucalyptol, a compound responsible for the aroma, released into the air by the trees. It subsequently becomes dissolved during the fermentation process, which takes place on the skins, inevitably giving the wine a “minty” character unique to this vineyard.
Critics Ratings
‘Signature mint, like mint crisp chocolate, 2013 shows plush berries and a streamlined tannin backbone to keep it in prime condition for years. But it's hard to resist now.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2018, 4* (89/100)
‘Fans of The Mint - so-called because of the eucalyptus trees that surround the vineyard - should buy this, the penultimate vintage of the wine, before the vines were replanted. It certainly lives up to its name in 2013, with minty notes balanced by fine but sturdy tannins, stylish oak and small berry, cassis-scented concentration. Drink: 2016-25.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2016, 94/100
Provenance
Private Client
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