Thelema Wine Rating
Tim Atkin 2022
"South Africa has proven that it is capable of making almost any wine style well, and its best wines are now among the world elite. That's something to celebrate," writes Tim Atkin in his latest edition, dedicated exclusively to South Africa.
South African wines have gained incredible prestige, thanks to the tireless work of South African producers. Last September, we presented Tim Atkin's list, an article that you can read again here, and today we want to present the excellent ratings of the "Thelema Mountain Vineyard" winery.
About Thelema
Gyles Webb gave up his career as an accountant in Durban to become a winemaker. In 1983, he bought Thelema. Here, a family legacy began.
The mansion was restored, and the first wines under the Thelema label were released in 1988. By the mid-90s, Thelema wines were selling out within a month, making the winery one of South Africa's most sought-after.
The wines that captured Tim Atkin's heart:
Vintage 2019
94 Points by Tim Atkin
"Thelema has always made good Cape Chardonnays, although the style has changed a bit over the years. This wine is wonderfully fresh and focused, with a dollop of cream from partial malolactic fermentation, wet stone intensity, subtle wood, and delicate concentration."
BEST HIT
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
THELEMA
Chardonnay – Screw Cap – 2018
CHF 15.90 instead of 21.90
93 Points by Tim Atkin
Aromas of ripe peach, grapefruit marmalade, blossoms, and complex yeast notes complement the toasted oak in the wine. On the palate, it is clean with a beautiful texture and a long finish.
Vintage 2021
91 Points by Tim Atkin
"This racy, zesty Sauvignon Blanc, reminiscent of grapefruit and lime zest, has subtle undertones of flint and a hint of appealing reduction. Should also age well."
BEST HIT
Special Offer
THELEMA
Sauvignon Blanc – Screw Cap – 2020
CHF 13.90 instead of 17.90
92 Points by Tim Atkin
The Sauvignon Blanc appears very reduced on the nose, which currently obscures the varietal expression. On the palate, it is well-balanced with fresh lychee and orange peel notes and is undoubtedly more expressive than the nose. A hint of white peach appears towards the finish.
Vintage 2018
92 Points by Tim Atkin
"Some of the estate's grapes are used for Mountain Red, but I suspect the best Syrah is reserved for this blend with 10% Grenache. Fresh, focused, and granitic, with the balance of its 400-meter altitude origin, mint and garrigue aromas, subtle grip, and flavors of black pepper, fig, and cured meat."
BEST HIT
THELEMA
Shiraz – 2017
CHF 23.90
92 Points by Tim Atkin
This Shiraz offers densely packed blackberries, raspberries, and cedar on the nose with a subtle marine influence. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with chewy tannins and well-considered acidity, quite firm and grippy towards the finish, which requires a bit more elegance.
Vintage 2019
90 Points by Tim Atkin
"Mountain Red is an unusual blend of Shiraz with 30% Grenache and 10% Petit Verdot from Elgin and Stellenbosch. The Thelema team offers a great Thelema team is racy, juicy, and fresh, with raspberries, red currants, and black cherries and a hint of oak spice."
BEST HIT
Six Pack Special – from 6 bottles
THELEMA
Mountain Red – Screw Cap – 2018
CHF 11.90 instead of 14.90
91 Points by WINEMAG SA
This wine exhibits inviting aromas of juicy black fruits, mulberries, plums, and a hint of warm spices. After 18 months in barrel, it is soft and juicy on the palate with well-rounded tannins and a long, delicious finish.
Vintage 2020
95 Points by Tim Atkin
"Very few South African Merlots can rival the quality of Thelema's Reserve bottling. Serious, structured, and brilliant, this wine handles the new French oak well. Fresh, detailed, and layered, with fine-grained tannins, cassis, plum, and coffee bean aromas, and a graphite top note. Stylish winemaking."
BEST HIT
THELEMA
Merlot Reserve – 2019
CHF 39.00
5 Stars by Platter’s
This wine is a limited edition of the vintage's best Merlot. It is rich and complex, displaying exceptional concentrations of ripe berries and cedar.
Vintage 2019
93 Points by Tim Atkin
"Thelema's red wines are currently in top form, which is reflected in the quality of this Simonsberg blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot. Aromas of coffee beans and blackcurrants lead to a structured and racy palate with plenty of backbone and hints of leather and damp earth."
BEST HIT
Killer Deal – from 6 bottles
THELEMA
Cabernet Sauvignon – 2018
CHF 23.90 instead of 32.90
93 Points by Tim Atkin
The Cabernet Sauvignon has a straightforward tobacco and undergrowth bouquet, very similar in style to Médoc. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with dry tannins and a grippy mouthfeel, and the simple, slightly abrupt finish needs more complexity and nuance.
Vintage 2019
96 Points by Tim Atkin
"The 2020 is the latest in a series of fine Rabelais releases. Combining Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, it has the intensity, structure, and concentration you expect. It smells of lavender and eucalyptus, with graceful, perfumed new wood, is herbaceous and refreshing with a core of blackberries and blackcurrants."
BEST HIT
Special Offer
THELEMA
Rabelais – Gift Box – 2019
CHF 54.00 instead of 69.00
5 Stars by Platter’s
During the annual vintage review, individual barrels are selected and designated for the Rabelais blend. Concentrated aromas of dark berries and cedar on the nose are complemented by beautiful sweet fruit and polished tannins on the palate. The wine has a long and powerful finish and will be suitable for long aging.
Vintage 2020
93 Points by Tim Atkin
"Made from a combination of botrytized, shriveled, and healthy berries, this stylish Muscat Sticky is pleasingly vibrant and refreshing for a wine with 102 grams of sugar. The aromas of passion fruit and clementine are supported by a robust acidity."
THELEMA
Vin de Hel – Muscat Late Harvest – 2020
CHF 17.50
A golden dessert wine with a very typical Muscat character on the bouquet. The wine shows aromas of pineapple, citrus, apricots, a hint of honey, and subtle floral notes. The palate is lush with a perfect balance between sweetness and fresh acidity.
Edition of "Tim Atkin – South Africa 2022", from September 2022
All prices in CHF incl. VAT. Daily price as of 05.10.2022.
Offers valid while stocks last. Errors and price changes reserved.
