The Everyman’s Guide to South African Wine

Today’s Find:  Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

  It remains a mystery to me how the pastime of drinking wine has earned the dubious distinction of being a guilty pleasure.  Call me a few strands short on DNA, but I don’t feel a bit bad about indulging in wine – the more, the better, and optimally, vice versa – not even on those rare occasions when it results in a hangover.  In my drinking dictionary, remorse is not a word, and wine is sandwiched right in between the words vocation and yes (!).

For most of civilized society, though, the art of serious “wining” is still reserved for special occasions – when only the best will do.  After many years sampling the vineyard spoils, I’ve found a wine that will tickle taste buds of those on both sides of the great drinking divide.  Whether your’re a grand event consumer, or a quaffer (regardless of guilt) who aspires to that occasional something special, few wines check many boxes better than Thelema cabernet sauvignon.

Brimming with bold, berry flavors, softened by hints of coffee and eucalyptus (the latter a byproduct of trees planted near the vineyards) , this is a rich, velvety cab that goes down smoother than silk.  Powerful, yet elegant, it is stunning on its own, but an ultimate pleasure with a rare steak or red meat meal.  It’s my ultimate red wine “nuke” – da bomb I count can on to wow guests – especially the wine enthusiasts.  

 The ’08 vintage was another in series of top scoring cabs for Thelema – which have netted 90+ ratings from the top wine pros for twelve years running.  That many critics can’t be that wrong for that long - check it out yourself, and you’ll see why.  Prices can vary widely on this wine – ranging anywhere from $34 – $48 a bottle. With a little detective work locally or online, you may just find the bargain-priced bottles.  But either way, you will still have found yourself an ultimate red wine steal, and a memorable cab for whatever your occasion.