Gyles Webb bought Thelema, a
charming dilapidated fruit farm, in 1983 with the help of his wife’s family.
Fruit orchards were pulled out and vines were planted. The manor house was
restored and the first wines under the Thelema label were released in
1988.The ripe pure-fruited wines were a revelation to many and it wasn’t
longbefore the romantic tale of a run-down old fruit farm became the
success story of an avant-garde winery. By the mid 90’s Thelema’s wines sold
out within a month after release, making it one of the most sought-after wine
estates in South Africa.
Thelema is, as far as we’re
concerned, one of the most beautiful places on earth with great old oak trees,
spectacular mountain views and colourful, noisy peacocks. Situated at the top
of the Helshoogte Pass with elevations that range between 370 to 640 meters
above sea level and mainly south-facing slopes, it is also one of the highest
and coolest estates in the area. The high altitude and the deep red soils are
ideal for premium quality winegrape production.
We do not buy in any grapes and
all wines are bottled on the estate to maintain absolute control over every
aspect of the wine production. The terroir in combination with Gyles Webb’s
wine making style result in flavourful, flamboyant, complex and long-lasting
wines with a distinctive South African character.In 2000, Gyles moved
into the role of cellar master and handed over the winemaking duties to the
talented Rudi Schultz (one of the famous Schultz winemaking brothers). We hope
you enjoy our wines and it would be a pleasure to welcome you at Thelema for a
chat and a taste of our latest release.
Thelema Mountain White
A delicious blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and
Rousanne showing aromas of ripe peaches, golden delicious apples, almond paste
and orange blossom. On the palate the wine is lush and packed with flavor. The
finish is complex and enduring.
The wine is delicious now but will improve over the
next three to four years. The wine is a good pairing to rich seafood, cream
based pasta dishes and chicken dishes.
While the wine is ready to drink, it will reward cellaring up to five
years.
UPC #: 755738000197
Awards & Ratings:
* 91 points – Tim Atkin
Thelema Mountain Red
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot,
Grenache, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc. The wine shows inviting aromas of juicy
black fruit, mulberries, plums and hints of warm spice. After spending 18
months in barrel, the palate is soft and inviting with well rounded tannins and
a long, delicious finish.
The wine pairs well stews, pasta, pizza and grilled
meats.
The wine is ready to drink now but will improve
over the next five to six years.
UPC #: 755738000586
Awards & Ratings:
Rating: 90 Points
Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon
The wine is complex and stylish, with aromas of ripe
blackcurrant, dark chocolate and meaty savory notes. On the palate the wine is
bone dry with well-toned muscle, yet exhibiting a deft sweet fruit character
with and enduring finish.
A perfect pairing to grilled beef and rich meat
dishes.
The wine is ready to drink now but will develop over
the next eight to ten years.
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