Thelema Rabelais 2018

While it is now well documented that the stellar 2017 vintage produced wines of particular structure and balance in Stellenbosch, what was the outcome in 2018? The conventional wisdom is that these wines are slightly lighter and more immediately accessible, and this seems to be borne out by Rabelais from Banghoek property Thelema.

Consisting of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, maturation lasted 20 months in 225-litre barrels, 100% new. The nose shows red and black berries, violets, some herbal character plus toasty oak while the palate is relatively lean with fresh acidity and very fine tannins. If the 2017 impressed with its fruit density, then this is austere in the best sense, alcohol a mere 13.32%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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