Thelema current releases

Thelema in Stellenbosch, acquired by the Webb/McLean families in 1983, first release in 1988. Is there any other family producer with such a consistent and good house style over the same period? Tasting notes and ratings for the current releases as follows:  

Chardonnay 2022
Price: R250
Matured for 10 months in 228-litre barrels, 35% new. Some struck-match reduction before big lemon and a hint of vanilla. Concentrated fruit and snappy acidity – rich and round initially, the finish dry.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Merlot 2021
Price: R250
Matured for 18 months in barrel, 25% new.  Red and black berries, rose, mint and herbs on the nose. Medium bodied with vibrant acidity and fine tannins, the finish gently savoury. Well-judged and very more-ish. Alc: 14%.

Price: 91/100.

Merlot Reserve 2021
Price: R550

Matured for 18 months in barrel, 51% new. Dark berries, violets, olive, vanilla and oak spice. Richer and more closed that standard label – dense fruit, bright acidity and tightly packed, smooth tannins. Alc: 14%.

Price: 92/100.

Grenache 2022
Price: R280

Matured for 10 months in old oak. Exuberant aromatics of cherry, red currant and a hint of blackberry plus rose, herbs, a touch of mint and pepper. Good fruit depth, bright acidity and nicely dry grippy tannins – a certain rawness, not untrue to the variety. Hearty without losing vinosity. Alc: 14.5%.

Price: 93/100.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Price: R260

Matured for 18 months in barrel, 30% new. Red currant, cassis, rose and fresh herbs. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Poised and elegant – so true to the property. Alc: 14%.

Price: 92/100.

The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Price: R550

From a vineyard planted in 2016, the eucalyptus trees that border the vineyard possibly for the lingering, cool flavour of the wine. Matured for 18 months in barrel, 40% new.  Cranberry and fresh herbs including a definite but pleasing note of mint. The palate is pure and succulent – medium bodied with fresh acidity and a dry finish. More charming than this wine used to be… Alc: 14%.

CE’s: 92/100.

Top-end red Rabelais 2021 rated 95 on review in October 2023 – see here.

Fortified Thelema Gargantua N/V rated 95 on review in July 2024 – see here.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.