Thelema Mountain Vineyards stands as a testament to the dedication and passion of the Webb family, who transformed it into one of South Africa's most esteemed wine estates. Situated on the southeastern side of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, Thelema boasts some of the highest elevations in the area, reaching 1739 feet above sea level. These high altitudes, combined with rich red soils and predominantly south-facing slopes, create ideal conditions for producing premium quality wine grapes.
The Vision of Gyles Webb
Gyles Webb, the visionary behind Thelema, initially pursued a career in accounting in Durban. However, his passion for winemaking led him to abandon his previous profession. In 1983, with the support of his wife's family, the McLeans, Gyles purchased Thelema. The manor house was meticulously restored, and in 1988, the first wines under the Thelema label were released.
By the mid-1990s, Thelema's wines were highly sought after in South Africa, selling out within a month of release. The Webb family fondly describes Thelema as "one of the most beautiful places on earth."
Early Challenges and Triumphs
The winery initially cultivated a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. According to Thomas Webb, this selection was "because that was the vine material we had access to at the time." He added that “Limited access to vine material and the quality of that material was the biggest hurdle for the industry during and right after apartheid."
Viticultural Practices and Innovation
Thelema is committed to a holistic approach to farming. As with most South African wineries, the clearing of alien vegetation, which typically draws more water than the native fynbos underbrush, continues at its painstaking pace.The hillsides of the dramatic Simonsberg mountain above Thelema's vines are now scrub brush while the neighboring parcels still have towering pines and blue gum trees.
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Werner Schultz has introduced a new type of ground cover that dies out during the growing season. It leaves behind a netted mat that helps the soil retain moisture while retarding additional weed growth. “The result is less herbicides are needed and, consequently, less insecticides as well, as that problem decreases also,” said Werner.
Walking the vineyards you get a nature lesson too. With the south/southwest exposure of the vineyards, ripening is never a problem at Thelema. But the Cabernet had long been known for its minty profile.
“There's one block in particular that was always minty, but the final wine, from year to year, would have differing levels of the minty quality,” said Rudi. “The picking date was always within the same four days, year after year, so it wasn't about ripe or underripe. When we pulled out that one block and bottled it separately (starting in 2004), the main wine became more consistent, while The Mint Cabernet now delivers that note for the customer who wants it.
Thelema's Wine Portfolio
Thelema offers a diverse range of wines, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Here are some of their notable offerings:
- Thelema Brut Cap Classique: A sparkling wine with fresh citrus and apple aromas, a complex and toasty finish, and lively bubbles.
- Thelema Merlot: A medium-bodied red wine with vibrant fruitiness and aromas of red cherries and plums.
- Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon: A powerful and full-bodied wine with aromas of blackcurrant leaf and coffee bean, leading to a structured taste of leather, dark chocolate, and sweet blackberry.
- Thelema Mountain Red: A full-bodied red blend with inviting aromas of juicy black fruit, mulberries, plums, and hints of spice.
- Thelema Sauvignon Blanc: A refreshing white wine with characteristics of tropical fruits, melon, and gooseberry, balanced with a zesty palate.
- Thelema Syrah: This Syrah reveals a harmonious blend of ripe blackberries and plums with touches of violet, black pepper, and smoky cedar on the nose.
Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch 2009 is full of tobacco, currant and singed cedar notes with a tangy minerality extending through the finish. It has guts but stays supple and nicely defined overall. In contrast, the Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbsoch The Mint 2010 sports a prominent minty aroma, along with dark plum, cocoa and currant notes and a plusher feel overall. Both wines have produced remarkably consistent, outstanding track records, fitting for an estate where Mr.
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Sutherland Vineyards: Expanding Horizons
After establishing Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Gyles Webb embarked on a new venture in the early 2000s, creating Sutherland Vineyards. This line of small-batch, cool-climate wines is located in the Elgin Valley, a region known for its maritime climate. Situated just 9 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean and ranging from 140 to 250 meters above sea level, Sutherland benefits from cool conditions that contribute to wines with remarkable depth and complexity.
Elgin was declared a wine ward in 1990, as one of the Cape’s newer appellations. Even though it has a grape cultivation history dating back to the 18th century, it was only recently recognized as a wine ward (designated viticultural area).
Thelema: A Symbol of Excellence and Heritage
Thelema Mountain Vineyards’ crest showcases a phoenix. This sacred phoenix appears in ancient Arabian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Chinese and Indian mythology, but it also symbolizes the birth of Thelema since it is present on both sides of the families. The McLeans owned the Phoenix Garden Hotel in Kimberley, and there is a phoenix on the Webb family crest.
The name Thelema itself is steeped in history, originating from François Rabelais' utopian abbey in sixteenth-century France. In contrast to the religious orders of his day, this community admitted both men and women, and encouraged them to live together in great luxury. Only one law governed its members: “Fay ce que couldras” - “Do what thou wilt!”. Thus, the name of the vineyard on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain.
The Webb family believes grape quality is the single most important factor in serious winemaking. Their policy is one of minimum interference, allowing the wines to be a true expression of each vineyard.
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