Prestigious Family Wineries
Live Virtual Auction, 23 July 2023
Prestigious family wineries | Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Raats Family Wines and Savage Wines
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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.
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Producer
Critics Ratings
‘I always imagine that the great French writer after whom this Bordeaux blend is named would have appreciated its complexity. Now made without Merlot, it’s a wonderfully savoury, spicy, minty red that handles its new oak with ease. Tobacco pouch and cassis-like complexity are supported by fresh acidity. 2019-29’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 95/100
'Cab-dominant 4-part Bordeaux-style blend, 20 months French oak, 80% new, 2014’s compact body built for the long haul but already accessible. Dark fruit & scrub, some meaty notes, has complex depths, give it the time it deserves.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2019, 4.5* (93/100)
‘The 2014 Rabelais is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot matured in 80% new oak for 18 months. It comes from the best sites on Thelema’s estate. The attractive blackberry, blueberry and mint-scented bouquet is neatly enmeshed with the oak. The well-balanced palate offers grippy tannin, well-judged acidity, tarry black fruit and (again) mint toward the harmonious finish. Good potential here.’ - Neal Martin, Vinous, 90/100 (Aug 2018)
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