(2023) Much more dense in colour than the red Burgundy, from a project involving winemaker Leon Coetzee. All fruit from Elgin, made in 300-litre old barrels. Much sweeter, riper and with more plushness than the Burgundy, the palate more weight and concentration. There's a stripe of tannin here, lots of bite and concentration of cherry fruit, and very attractive.
(2021) like the Sauvignon Blanc in this range, sourced from Elgin, and aged for nine months in French oak barrels. A nice garnet colour, with a little transparency, the nose is suffused with exotic smoky spices, a fragrant red cherry and fruit beneath. In the mouth it is more savoury than the nose suggests perhaps, an earthy, even slightly leathery character, tannins dry but fine and the acidity balancing.
(2021) Elgin is not regarded as a natural home for Cabernet Sauvignon, in theory its cooler climate suiting earlier-ripening varieties rather more. Thelema's Cab was aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, and fermented with wild yeasts. It is plummy and black cherryish on the nose, quite glossy and supple, a hint of menthol too. In the mouth there's no shortage of ripe, sweet and succulent black fruit, very smooth tannins and a good balance of cherry-skin tart acidity. Not hugely long, but easy to drink, very nicely made, and proves it can be done.
(2015) Lifted and gamy with loads of ripe black fruit and creamy, very solid but beautifully plush and moreish. Long and creamy in the finish. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot.