The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon

This Cabernet Sauvignon pairs excellently with roast lamb, making it a classic choice for such dishes.

The unique mint character of this wine is attributed to the proximity of Eucalyptus trees bordering the specific Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. Eucalyptol, released by these trees, is absorbed by the grape berries' outer wax layer, imparting the distinctive minty aroma during fermentation.

Matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 40% being new and the remainder in older barrels.

The grapes underwent de-stemming, hand sorting, and crushing before being pumped into stainless steel fermenters. Fermentation involved regular pump-overs for 10 days, followed by an additional 6 days on the skins before pressing. The wine was then racked to barrels for malolactic fermentation.

In 1983 Gyles Webb and his wife's family purchased a run-down fruit farm at the top of the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch where they established Thelema Mountain Vineyards. At a time when the South African wine scene was focused on quantity rather than quality Webb was a trailblazing pioneer on a mission to craft world-class wines. Construction began on the winery in 1987 and Thelema produced its first vintage in 1988. Situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg Thelema occupies mainly south-facing aspects that afford spectacular views of the Simonsberg Drankenstein and Jonkershoek mountains. Elevations ranging from 370 to 640 meters above sea-level make the 157-hectare estate one of the coolest and highest wine farms in Stellenbosch.