Thelema, “The Mint” Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Ripe red berry, cassis and dark chocolate flavours are complimented by hints of mint and on the palate. The wine has fine tannins with a long, mocha finish.
According to the winemaker, the source of the “mint” character is attributed to the airborne transfer from the Eucalyptus trees, which border this specific Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard, to the grape berries. The berries’ outer wax layer adsorbs eucalyptol, the compound responsible for the aroma, released into the air by the trees. It subsequently becomes dissolved during the fermentation process, which takes place on the skins, giving the wine a “minty” character unique to this vineyard.
£35.00
Stellenbosch
Cabernet Sauvignon
LightFull Bodied
Description
A family owned and managed wine estate, part of the spectacular Simonsberg Mountain range in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Home to Thelema and Sutherland wines.
TASTING NOTES
Ripe red berry, cassis and dark chocolate flavours are complimented by hints of mint and on the palate. The wine has fine tannins with a long, mocha finish. According to the winemaker, the source of the “mint” character is attributed to the airborne transfer from the Eucalyptus trees, which border this specific Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard, to the grape berries. The berries’ outer wax layer adsorbs eucalyptol, the compound responsible for the aroma, released into the air by the trees. It subsequently becomes dissolved during the fermentation process, which takes place on the skins, giving the wine a “minty” character unique to this vineyard.
FOOD PAIRING
Roast Lamb, a classic choice!
VITICULTURAL PRACTICES
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon – clone 338
Root stock Mgt: 101-14
Soil type: Hutton – decomposed granite
Age of vines Planted: 2016
Plant density: 2000 vines per hectare
Trellising: Vertical hedge
Pruning: 2-bud spurs every 15cm
Yield: 12 t/ha
Irrigation: Supplementary drip
Vintage: Wet, cool climate conditions allowed replenishment of water reserves and slow ripening period.
Picking date: 18 March 2022
Grape sugar: 24.5 °B
Acidity: 5.7 g/l
pH at harvest: 3.6
WINEMAKING PRACTICES
Yeasts: Alchemy 4
Fermentation temp: 27 °C
Method: De-stalked, hand sorting of berries, crushed, pumped into a stainless steel fermenter, pumped over for 10 days, left for 6 days before pressing, racked to barrel for malolactic fermentation.
Maturation: Wood maturation 18 months in barrel. 40% new French oak, balance in older barrels
FOOD PAIRING
Roast Lamb, a classic choice!
WINE ANAYSIS
Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/l
pH: 3.56
Total acid: 5.5 g/l
Alcohol: 14% by volume
Additional information
| Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Wine Farm | |
| Alcohol | 14% |
Roast Lamb, a classic choice!
3 reviews for Thelema, “The Mint” Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
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Find out moreAdd to basketComplex and stylish, with aromas of blackcurrant leaf and coffee bean which progresses into a palate that's structured and racy with hints of leather, dark chocolate and sweet blackberry.
95 pts | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2024
“Now made from the 338 clone, as the 163 clone was pulled out, this still has some of the distinctively minty note from the surrounding eucalyptus trees. Curated in 45% new oak, it has good structure, flavours of blackcurrant pastille and dried herbs and refined tannins. 2025-38”
Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2024 –
95 pts | Platter’s Wine Guide 2025
“True to its name and like the 2021 vintage, the 2022 has subtle but distinct mint leafiness, interwoven with convincing cassis and black cherry fruit, forest floor earthiness and thread of cocoa. Despite 18 months honing in 33% new oak, imposing tannins suggest cellaring.”
Platter’s Wine Guide 2025 –
Gold Medal (95 points) / International Wine Challenge 2025
“Variety typical, cassis, red plum, mint, thyme, green tobacco, smoky, fine tannins. This is beautifully textured with a long finish.”
International Wine Challenge 2025 –