South African & International Fine Wine
Live Auction, 14 September 2019
Session Two
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.
Gyles Webb was Diner’s Club Winemaker of the Year in 1994 and 1996. Few wines of the 1990s have aged as well as Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has been checked and re-corked by Amorim cork at Thelema under supervision, assuring providence, quality and long life.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
‘Barrel selections of 100% Cabernet. Idea has been to distil essence of cabernet above, with all new oak bottlings. Both spicier, firmer than regular label. 91 – excellent dry vintage – is immense, dense, ripe and spicy – with great power (13,8% alc.). Now also slight chalky, less fruit quality on nose; layer of secondary flavours developing.’ – Platter’s SA Wine Guide (1993)
‘This red caresses your palate with masses of silky tannins and plenty of earthy, berry, minty aromas and flavors. Really polished... 300 cases made.’ – Wine Spectator 91/100 (1995)
This was a good growing season resulting in wines with concentration and length. The best wines in barrel, 50% new, were selected for this 300 case blend which has matured gracefully, showing both freshness and complexity after 26 years in bottle. – Thomas Webb (2019)
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