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For several years we thought twice before opening any of the Thelema The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 wines, as that was the last year that Thelema produced The Mint. It was with great excitement that consumers and collectors bought this wine that was released again (on allocation) in 2021.
The name “The Mint” comes from the minty character in this wine, due to airborne transfers of eucalyptus oils onto the grapes, a character that is sometimes present as a sign of vine suffering. However, this eucalyptus note is quite different and slightly less integrated than vines that suffered. This wine spent 18 months in 40% new French oak barrels and is an interesting wine to put in any line-up or tasting.
This wine has a medium ruby colour in the glass. The nose could lead you to think in the direction of a Rhône blend, due to the red berries, chocolate and eucalyptus notes. On the palate, the Cabernet Sauvignon characters come into play well, with blackberries and a good tannin structure, accompanied by red berries, dark chocolate, mocha, mint and a hint of leather. It has a fresh finish with the eucalyptus notes coming forward again at the end.
This wine can be enjoyed on its own and is ready to drink now or in the next 10 years. It is well worth a try, if you can get your hands on a bottle of this wine.
Producer: Thelema Mountain Vineyards
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 100%
Vintage: 2021
Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Winemaker: Duncan Clarke
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 14%
RS: 1.5g/l
Average price: R500
Rating: 94/100
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