It is with great excitement that we unveil the latest releases from Restless River. These wines from the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde are renowned (some say revered) for their authentic and honest representation of this site.

Craig and Anne Wessels have been making wine at Restless River for almost two decades. Their connection with the vineyards is evident in their sensitive and compassionate understanding of how to get the best out of the fruit.

These wines are fantastic and set a very high benchmark for South African wines in a global context.

― Tim Atkin MW

In the 2023 releases, we bring you three Restless River wines, all single varieties and all of the highest quality:

‘Ava Marie’
An intense and elegant Chardonnay that demonstrates the winemaker’s gentle touch.

‘Le Luc’
The Hemel-en-Aarde is known for its Pinot Noirs, and this wine only adds to the reputation of these classy wines.

‘Main Road & Dignity’
A unique cool-climate South African Cabernet Sauvignon – this particular vintage is world-class.

100% Chardonnay
WO Upper Hemel-en-Aarde

An exceptional example of what a gentle approach can do with Chardonnay in the cooler Hemel-en-Aarde valley. Located only 5km from the ocean, cool breezes keep these 24-year old vines refreshed.

Winemaker Craig Wessels says “I fell in love with Chardonnay through Chablis” and you can taste the homage in the glass. A very elegant wine with masterful balance.

Christian Eedes, Winemag 96/100
“A later vintage and the nose is a little more exotic than usual with notes of lemon and orange to go with blossom plus hints of oatmeal and flinty reduction. The palate is not without depth although alcohol is just 12.7% – pure fruit and zesty acidity, the finish possessing a subtle pithy quality. Great definition and poise.”

Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2023 – Chardonnay of the year
Tim Atkin 96/100
“Reflecting the coolness of the 2021 vintage, this is taut, focused, stony and engagingly mouth-watering, with effortless concentration…”

100% Pinot Noir
WO Upper Hemel-en-Aarde

As we have come to expect, the valley produces some excellent Pinot Noirs, and ‘Le Luc’s site and soil make for a distinctive wine. With a rich colour, cherry and floral flavours this Pinot is accessible and lusciously smooth.

Christian Eedes, Winemag 94/100
Some 35% fermented whole-berry. Matured for 12 months in 228-litre barrels, 35% new. Seductive aromatics of red and black berries, musk, floral perfume, tea-leaf and white pepper while the palate has luscious fruit, bright acidity and velvety tannins. Full of charm and already quite accessible.

Tim Atkin South Africa Report 2023 – Pinot Noir of the year
Tim Atkin 95/100
“Intense, layered and well structured, it has a hint of good reduction, plum, raspberry and black cherry fruit, vibrant acidity and subtle sweetness from 30% new barrels. One to cellar.”

Jancis Robinson MW
“Of all the Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot noirs, this is the most Burgundian.”

100% Cabernet Sauvignon
WO Upper Hemel-en-Aarde

From the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the Hemel-en-Aarde, making a Cab here seems to be a roguish choice by Craig Wessels.

The cooler location gives the fruit an extended ripening period, with harvest often only taking place in May. The result is a singular wine with layers of flavours and textures.

Buy this now to add to your cellar!

Christian Eedes, Winemag 94/100
“Matured for some 22 months in 225-litre barrels, 20% new. Cassis, incense, violets, tea leaf and oyster shell on the nose – very little herbal character, good or bad… Medium bodied and yet not short of fruit weight and structure while the tannins are fine, the finish properly dry.”

Tim Atkin
“Picked late in a cool site, it has cassis, bay leaf, fresh herb and damson flavours, grippy tannins, appealing zip and freshness and the concentration to age.”