2023 Thelema - Chardonnay Stellenbosch (750ml)

Thelema Mountain Vineyards sits on the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch, on the southeastern slopes of the Simonsberg mountain. Gyles Webb, an accountant by training, gave up his career after a memorable taste of Burgundy Puligny-Montrachet, purchasing the run down fruit farm with his wife in 1983 and replacing the old orchards with vines. The estate takes its name from the Abbey of Thélème in François Rabelais's writing, and its wines have grown from a passion project into one of South Africa's most respected names, prized for balancing vibrant fruit with elegant structure across both its Stellenbosch and Elgin properties.

This Chardonnay comes from vines planted in 1989, 2000, and 2009 on decomposed granitic Hutton soils, using the CY3 and CY5 clones favored for their expression of site. Following fermentation, the wine matures for ten months in 228 liter French oak barrels, with roughly a third new wood and the remainder seasoned barrels that have already seen previous vintages. This measured approach to oak allows the wine to develop richness and texture without letting wood dominate the fruit beneath it.

The wine shows a pale gold color with the faintest green tinge, opening onto a bouquet of lemon blossom, lime peel, and tangerine layered with green apple and delicate biscuit notes. The palate turns pithy and mineral, with bright citrus acidity and a long, bracing finish. Its bright structure pairs well with lobster, seared tuna, or roast pork.