Restless River new releases

Craig and Annes Wessels of Restless River. Ambitious, meticulous, dedicated. Acquire Restless River in 2004 and build, build, build – both in terms of brand, and holdings – a bunch of new vineyards now coming online. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Vineyard Selection Chardonnay 2023
Price: R340
Grapes from newer plantings that began in 2019. Matured for 11 months in 500-litre barrels, 5% new. The nose is somewhat shy, some subtle reduction preceding pear, peach and citrus. The palate is marked by lightness and linearity – good fruit expression, racy acidity and a pithy finish. Alc: 13.3%.

CE’s rating: 92/100.

Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir 2023
Price: R340
Grapes from newer plantings that began in 2017. Destemmed before fermentation, maturation lasting 11 months in 228-litre barrels, 20% new. Red berries, orange and musk on the nose while the palate is elegant and understated – good fruit definition, fresh acidity and fine tannins, the finish gently savoury. Alc: 13.4%

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Ava Marie Chardonnay 2022
Price: R620
Grapes from the oldest Chardonnay vineyard in the general Hemel-en-Aarde area, planted 1999. Matured for 12 months, mostly in 500-litre barrels (10% new), but also including small portions in terracotta pots and stainless-steel barrel. Complex aromatics of floral perfume, lemon, a touch of orange, oatmeal and some leesy complexity while the palate displays dense fruit and punch acidity before a savoury finish. The texture is just creamy enough while the flavours are elaborate. Mesmerising stuff. Alc: 12.78%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Le Luc Pinot Noir 2022
Price: R620
Grapes from a vineyard planted in 2013. 10% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 12 months in 228-litre barrels, 30% new. Red and black berries, musk, mushroom and white pepper on the nose while the palate combines impressive weight with verve. It’s a poised wine with well-defined fruit, lemon-like acidity and fine tannins. 13.3%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Main Road & Dignity Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Price: R805
Grapes from two blocks, the oldest in the general Hemel-en-Aarde area, planted 1998. Matured for 24 months in 225-litre barrels, 25% new. On the nose, red and black berries, floral perfume, a subtle herbal note, a hint of olive and pencil shavings. The palate shows pure fruit, lively acidity and silky tannins, the finish gently savoury. Hardly opulent but there’s definitely a smoothness about it. Alc: 14.1%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

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