Thelema new releases
By Christian Eedes, 25 August 2022
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Thomas Webb, son of Thelema founder Gyles and director, says he’s proud of the Stellenbosch property’s near-40 years of history but this was put into perspective recently when he had to present next to a representative from Frescobaldi of Tuscany, who have been producing wine for some 650 years. Even so, Webb reckons the team has at least gained enough experience to claim that they are a “world authority on how to farm in Stellenbosch”. Tasting notes and ratings for the new releases as follows:
Thelema Merlot Reserve 2020
Price: R440
Matured for 18 months in French oak, 100% new. Black berries, fresh herbs and violets plus notes of vanilla, chocolate and pencil shavings. The palate is luscious and polished – good depth of fruit and smooth textured but not without freshness.
CE’s rating: 92/100.
Thelema Rabelais 2020
Price: R780 (R2 340 per 3 pack box set)
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot. 20 months in French oak, 100% new. Attractive and striking aromatics of red currant, cherry and cassis plus floral perfume, herbs and a hint of vanilla while the palate is medium bodied (alcohol is 13.5%) with fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins. Good fruit definition, balance and even energy – not too imposing as some top-end red blends can tend to be.
CE’s rating: 94/100.
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Thomas Webb | 28 August 2022
Hi Christian. Thanks for the review.
One small correction; we do not claim to be a “world authority on how to farm in Stellenbosch”; rather world authorities on our little 157 ha piece of Stellenbosch, on the slopes of the Simonsberg, having spent the last 39 years dedicating ourselves to understanding the site and making wines that reflect our interpretation of the site. It has been a great experience on a wonderful piece of land, and I think Gyles would agree that we are still learning as we go!