Thelema Rabelais 2021

The good reputation of the 2021 vintage grows and grows. Thelema in Stellenbosch describes it as “A warm, dry vintage with a late start, resulted in smaller tonnage but yielding balanced, well-structured wines with lovely intensity” and the top-end Rabelais has turned out exceptionally well.

A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, it was matured for 18 months in 225-litre barrels, 76% new. The nose is enticingly perfumed – red and black berries plus hints of flowers, herbs, vanilla and spice while the palate is medium-bodied but certainly not insubstantial – pure fruit, fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins, dry on the finish (alc: 14.5%). A wine of clarity, poise and elegance. Price: R800 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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