Prestigious Family Wineries
Live Virtual Auction, 23 July 2023
Prestigious family wineries | Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Raats Family Wines and Savage Wines
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.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
‘Occasional release. Gets 100% new oak, selection of best parcels and 2013 shows it in fruit intensity, concentration, while remaining sleek and polished. Savoury shading as an underpin, fruit is the main focus here, supported by firm but ripe tannin.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2017, 4.5*
‘Thelema’s Reserve Merlot is a barrel selection that often comes from the same vineyard block. It’s a very accomplished rendition of what can be a tricky grape to grow in the Cape, showing flavours of plum, bramble, graphite, green herb and scented vanilla oak. The tannins are very fine indeed, hinting at good ageing potential. Drink: 2017-24.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2016, 94/100
‘This wine shows evidence of a step up in quality and intensity with 100% new French oak being used for maturation. The nose is sweet and savoury revealing an alluring earthy vein along with blueberries, tannery leather, dried herbs, and a Cabernet-like cedary oak spice lift. The palate is rich and intense, showing very polished, textured and suave luxurious sweet tannins. There is extra power here and harmonious fleshy depth with cassis leaf, subtle herbal notes and sweet tobacco on the long vibrant finish. Impressive wine with only approximately 3000 bottles produced from vines planted in the mid-1980’s.' - Greg Sherwood MW, 93+/100 (Jul 2017)
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