Thelema Mountain Vineyards got its start in 1983 when the Webb family bought a run-down fruit farm outside of Stellenbosch, South Africa. The property was vineless until the family planted 50 hectares of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, muscat de frontignan, cabernet and merlot grapes. The Wine Spectator has twice listed Thelema as the top 100 wines of the world.
Muscat de Frontignan 2010, not surprisingly a fresh wine, has an incredibly fragrant scent, with an orange peel finish.
The Merlot Reserve 2008 was Thaddeus’ top gun for the merlots he tasted in South Africa. He described it as “beautiful” with a well-balanced fruit, acidity and tannin that had a surprisingly complex finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 was a riot of blackberry and black currant; of course, deep ruby in color, that left melted chocolate and a hint of cedar to make for a complex wine with great tannin structure that gripped your palate and wouldn’t let go at the finish. A secure spot on the top 10 of South African wines by Thaddeus’ tastings.