Thelema Shiraz 2021

The grapes were de-stalked, crushed and pumped into stainless steel tanks with pump overs being done twice a day. Fermentation and maceration were completed after 9 days.

Despite the drought, the dry, warm weather resulted in healthy grapes and small berries with good intensity. Warm days and below average cool nights during the ripening stage gave the colour and flavour development a positive boost.

This wine drinks well now, however, it can be aged for a further six to seven years.

Shiraz

This wine pairs well with grilled meats, meaty casseroles and mature cheeses.

Decanter Panel Tasting 2022 (Aug edition), 91 points
Gillbert & Gaillard 2022 – 93 points, Double Gold Medal
Platter Wine Guide 2022 – 4 ½ stars / 90 points
Tim Atkin Report 2021 – 92 points
Winemag.co.za Prescient Shiraz Report, 90 points

Gyles Webb abandoned his accounting career in Durban to become a winemaker. In 1983, with the help of his wife’s family, the McLean’s, Gyles bought Thelema. The beginning of a family legacy. The manor house was restored and the first wines under the Thelema label were released in 1988. By the mid 90’s Thelema’s wines sold out within a month after release, making it one of the most sought-after wine estates in South Africa. The Webb family describe Thelema as “one of the most beautiful places on earth”. As Thelema in Stellenbosch continued to flourish, Gyles embarked on a search for an additional property in order to establish a second vineyard. In 2002, the Webb family purchased an idyllic farm with an undulating landscape, in the cool Elgin region, creating ideal grape growing conditions.