Description
Thelema Chardonnay 2024 is a medium-bodied Stellenbosch white that combines bright citrus fruit with restrained oak and a mineral-driven core. Fermentation and maturation in French oak give the wine texture and breadth, while the fruit remains fresh and clearly defined.
The nose opens with citrus and subtle peach, followed by a gently nutty note through the mid-palate. The texture is creamy but balanced by vibrant acidity and a distinct mineral edge, leading into a lingering, composed finish. It would pair particularly well with grilled fish, shellfish, roast chicken, or creamy pasta dishes.
This is a polished, structured Chardonnay that is expressive now but should continue to develop well over the next several years.
The nose opens with citrus and subtle peach, followed by a gently nutty note through the mid-palate. The texture is creamy but balanced by vibrant acidity and a distinct mineral edge, leading into a lingering, composed finish. It would pair particularly well with grilled fish, shellfish, roast chicken, or creamy pasta dishes.
This is a polished, structured Chardonnay that is expressive now but should continue to develop well over the next several years.
The grapes were destemmed, crushed, pressed, and settled in stainless steel tanks, with a small portion whole-bunch pressed. The clear juice was fermented in 228L French oak barrels before the wine matured for 10 months in barrel. Thirty-five percent of the oak was new, with the balance made up of third- and fourth-fill barrels to add texture and complexity while keeping oak influence measured.
Winemaker: Gyles Webb (Cellar master), Rudi Schultz and Duncan Clarke
Winemaker: Gyles Webb (Cellar master), Rudi Schultz and Duncan Clarke
Thelema, situated on the spectacular Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch, is a family owned and managed wine estate and the home of Thelema and Sutherland Vineyards wines. Gyles Webb bought Thelema, a charming dilapidated fruit farm, in 1983 with the help of his wife’s family.
Fruit orchards were pulled out and vines were planted. The manor house was restored and the first wines under the Thelema label were released in 1988. The ripe pure-fruited wines were a revelation to many and it wasn’t long before the romantic tale of a run-down old fruit farm became the success story of an avant-garde winery.
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 high altitude and the deep red soils are ideal for premium quality wine grape production. They do not buy in any grapes and all wines are bottled on the estate to maintain absolute control over every aspect of the wine production. The terroir in combination with Gyles Webb’s winemaking style results in flavorful, flamboyant, complex and long-lasting wines with a distinctive South African character.
In 2000, Gyles moved into the role of cellar master and handed over the winemaking duties to the talented Rudi Schultz (one of the famous Schultz winemaking brothers). We hope you enjoy our wines and it would be a pleasure to welcome you at Thelema for a chat and a taste of our latest release.
Fruit orchards were pulled out and vines were planted. The manor house was restored and the first wines under the Thelema label were released in 1988. The ripe pure-fruited wines were a revelation to many and it wasn’t long before the romantic tale of a run-down old fruit farm became the success story of an avant-garde winery.
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 high altitude and the deep red soils are ideal for premium quality wine grape production. They do not buy in any grapes and all wines are bottled on the estate to maintain absolute control over every aspect of the wine production. The terroir in combination with Gyles Webb’s winemaking style results in flavorful, flamboyant, complex and long-lasting wines with a distinctive South African character.
In 2000, Gyles moved into the role of cellar master and handed over the winemaking duties to the talented Rudi Schultz (one of the famous Schultz winemaking brothers). We hope you enjoy our wines and it would be a pleasure to welcome you at Thelema for a chat and a taste of our latest release.
