Thelema Wein Rating
Tim Atkin 2022
«South Africa has proven that it is capable of making almost any style of wine well, and its best wines are now among the world’s elite. That is something to be celebrated,» writes Tim Atkin in his latest issue devoted exclusively to South Africa.
South African wines have achieved incredible prestige, and this is thanks to the tireless work of South African producers. Last September we presented Tim Atkin’s list to you, an article you can read again at this link, and today we want to present the good ratings of the «Thelema Mountain Vineyard».
About Thelema
Gyles Webb gave up his career as an accountant in Durban to become a winemaker. In 1983, he bought Thelema. Here began a family legacy.
The mansion was restored and the first wines under the Thelema label were launched in 1988. In the mid-90s, Thelema wines sold out within a month, making the winery one of the most sought-after in South Africa.
The wines that captured the heart of Tim Atkin:
Vintage 2019
94 Points by Tim Atkin
«Thelema has always made good Cape Chardonnays. although the style has changed a little over the years. This wine is wonderfully fresh and focused, with a dollop of cream from partial malolactic, wet stone intensity, subtle wood and decent 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 jam, flowers and complex yeasty flavours complement the toasty oak flavours in the wine. The palate is clean with a nice texture and a long finish.
Vintage 2021
91 Points by Tim Atkin
«This racy, tangy Sauvignon Blanc, reminiscent of grapefruit and lime zest, has subtle undertones of flint and a touch 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 seems very reduced on the nose and this masks the varietal expression at the moment. The palate is well balanced with fresh lychee and orange peel on the palate and undoubtedly more expressive than the nose. A hint of white peach appears towards the end.
Vintage 2018
92 Points by Tim Atkin
«Some of the estate’s grapes are used for the Mountain Red, but I suspect the best Syrah is reserved for this cuvée with 10% Grenache. Fresh, focused and granite-rich, with the balance of its 400-metre origins, mint and garrigue aromas, subtle grip and flavours of black pepper, fig and cured meat.»
BEST HIT
THELEMA
Shiraz – 2017
CHF 23.90
92 Points by Tim Atkin
Dieser Shiraz bietet dicht gewickelte Brombeeren, Himbeeren und Zedernholz in der Nase und einen dezenten marinen Einfluss. Am Gaumen ist er mittelkräftig mit zähem Tannin und wohlüberlegter Säure, ziemlich fest und griffig zum Finale hin, das etwas mehr Eleganz erfordert.
Vintage 2019
90 Points by Tim Atkin
«Mountain Red is an unusual blend of Shiraz with 30% Grenache and 10% Petit Verdot Petit Verdot from Elgin and Stellenbosch. Thelema Team offers a great Thelema Team is racy, juicy and fresh, with raspberries, red currants and black cherry 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 shows inviting aromas of juicy black fruits, mulberries, plums and hints 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 match the quality of Thelema’s reserve bottling. Serious, structured and bright, this wine copes well with new French oak. Fresh, detailed and complex, with fine-grained tannins, cassis, plum and coffee bean flavours and a graphite top note. Stylish vinification.»
BEST HIT
THELEMA
Merlot Reserve – 2019
CHF 39.00
5 Stars by Platter’s
This wine is a limited edition of the best Merlot of the vintage. It is rich and complex, showing exceptional concentrations of ripe berries and cedar.
Vintage 2019
93 Points by Tim Atkin
«The red wines of Thelema 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 into 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 sous-bois bouquet, very similar in style to the Médoc. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannin and grippy in the mouth, and the simple, slightly abrupt finish needs to be given more complexity and nuance
Vintage 2019
96 Points by Tim Atkin
«The 2020 is the latest in a series of fine Rabelais releases. It combines Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot and has the intensity, structure and concentration you expect. It smells of lavender and eucalyptus, with graceful perfumed new wood, is herbal 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 earmarked 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 ageing.
Vintage 2020
93 Points by Tim Atkin
«Made from a combination of botrytis-affected, shrivelled and healthy berries, this stylish Muscat Sticky is appealingly tangy and refreshing for a wine with 102 grams of sugar. The passion fruit and clementine flavours are supported by a strong acidity.»
THELEMA
Vin de Hel – Muscat Late Harvest – 2020
CHF 17.50
A golden dessert wine with very typical Muscat character on the nose. The wine shows aromas of pineapple, citrus fruits, apricots, a hint of honey and subtle floral notes. The palate is lush with a perfect balance between sweetness and fresh acidity.
Edition of the «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 subject to change.
