Single-Owner Private Collection of Fine Wines from South Africa, Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Italy, Spain and more….
Timed Online Auction, 27 June - 15 July 2024
South Africa - Reds
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.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
2009:
'2009 is tight in youth (needs decanting), but the full fruit will expand in a few years and the hints of dusty tobacco oak will be harmonised - it should keep a decade at least. Already fine, supple, with focused flavours, and the power expertly managed and balanced.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2014, 4.5*
‘Attractive scents of whole clove and cinnamon stick add depth to the black fruit core of this wine. Lush, ripe flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and cassis flood the medium-weight palate, with medium tannins and notes of cigar box and licorice that remain through the medium-length finish.’ - Lauren Buzzeo, Wine Enthusiast, 91/100 (Jul 2014)
‘Thelema is enjoying a rich vein of winemaking form at the moment, both for its reds and whites. This is not as minty as The Mint, but the eucalyptus character is still there. Focused, fresh and balanced with scented coffee bean oak, flavours of tea leaf and cassis, and fine-grained tannins.’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2013, 94/100
2011:
‘Concentrated mouthful of ripe black fruit, 2011 is fresh and supple, well integrated tannins giving pleasing gritty grip. Fraction shorter than stellar 2010 (4.5 stars, 92 points) but lots to like.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2016, 4*
‘Mature and suave, with warm espresso and singed tobacco notes peeling out from the core of lightly mulled currant and blackberry fruit. Lingering black tea and charcoal accents score the finish. Still has legs. Drink now through 2018.’ - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 91/100 (May 2016)
‘Blended with a generous dollop of 15% Petit Verdot, the 2011 Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon has a fresh, slightly minty blackberry and red plum-scented bouquet with a touch of cedar and tobacco coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with a tobacco-tinged entry. I like the acidity here, nice and fresh, quite linear in the mouth with a welcome graphite tinged on the finish that has moderate length. Enjoy this over the next 5-7 years.’ - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 91/100 (Nov 2015)
‘Sourced from the estate’s best blocks at around 400 metres, this contains 8% Petit Verdot for added colour and muscle. It’s a bold, strapping wine that still has a lot of ageing potential, with plenty of dense black-fruited flavours and structure. Drink: 2015-20’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2015, 92/100
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