Thelema Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1989
By Christian Eedes, 29 January 2026
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What a difference nearly 40 years in bottle makes. Thelema Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as described in the 1991 edition of Platter’s was “a dramatic departure among Cape reds” made exclusively from “new clone” Cabernet, deeply coloured, powerfully scented with cinnamon and cassis, and unapologetically extracted. Still young, still formative, it was judged “quite different and for the serious collector – Africana in the making”, crafted in an uncompromising New World style that resisted blending or cosmetic clean-ups before barrel maturation.
The wine today tells a subtler story. Red fruit, mint, fynbos, tea leaf, mushroom and a hint of undergrowth emerge on the nose. Medium-bodied, fresh and invigorating, the fruit remains intact and sweet in the best sense. The tannins have long since resolved, yet the finish stays savoury. Elegant, far from dead, and very pleasurable. Alc: 12.5%.
CE rating: 92/100.
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4 comment(s)
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Kwispedoor | 29 January 2026
In the late 90s, in my impressionable youth, I scored this wine 20/20. It certainly was a revolutionary and very exciting wine! The only other wine I’ve given a perfect score to, was a Penfolds Grange Hermitage 1978 (blind). I think I need to give more perfect scores. 😂
Greg Sherwood | 31 January 2026
Time to let your hair down I think! ;-P
Christopher Williams | 30 January 2026
Just look at that alcohol, 12.5% and this wine was definitely from virus-free vineyards.
I have had this wine on a couple of occasions, un-ashamedly New World in style, as Christian notes, but with superb balance and poise.
A real testament to the excellence of Thelema and Gyles Webb, especially in their approach to viticulture.
David Van Breda Smith | 1 February 2026
Still miss my old bold in your face Cabs from the past. Luckily still available in California.