Provenance

Producer

Critics Ratings

Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2017
'The 2017 Chardonnay Ava Marie has a fragrant bouquet with touches of lemon rind, peach skin and an oily scent that is quite potent and attractive. The palate is vibrant on the entry with a tang of orange rind and marmalade, very intense with touches of mint and sage. It fans out nicely on the finish - an excellent Chardonnay that should drink well over the next decade and more.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Aug 2022)

'Five pickings from a single-vineyard, natural ferment in oak, aged in a mix of barrel, amphora, and stainless steel. 2017 has thrilling tension, purity and complexity in spice-edged, ripe lime flavours. Texture is as important; density and fine grip will ensure a long lifespan.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 5* (97/100)

'Craig Wessels picks this two-hectare block in five stages to achieve maximum balance and complexity. Large barrel and amphora-fermented, it's a stunning, elegantly refined Chardonnay with understated oak, some cinnamon spice, good texture and a fresh, citrus peel finish. One of the Cape's best Chardonnays.' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 96/100

Restless River Main Road & Dignity Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
'Named for two blocks on the farm. Unmistakeably cool-climate, as perfumed intensity of fresh black fruits, compact build, bracing, steely but ripely firm grape tannins on 2016 reveal. Flavoursome & richly textured flesh brings whole into balance. Natural ferment in open oak vats; 21 months on lees in barriques, 25% new. Deserves years in bottle.' - Platter's SA Wine Guide 2020, 4.5* (94/100)

'Vibrant mid-garnet colour. Pure nose of mature, cool-climate Cabernet - a herbaceous scent I do not encounter that often in this era of ever-warmer summers. There is some fruit here to counterbalance the acidity and some leafy aromas. Fresh, perfumed, sweet wine that's nicely in balance. Well done! Even if it's slightly skinnier than the Cabernet mainstream nowadays.' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16/20 (Nov 2020)

'This South African red could outshine more than one Médoc vintage. The nose is superb; notes of graphite, crème de cassis, black truffle, with magnificent oak. The palate is delicate, its creamy envelope woven with an incredible mineral intensity. Already delicious, it can be aged for at least 20 years.' - La Revue du Vin de France, 2020 - 19/20. (Highest rated SA red wine, tie with Columella 2017).

'It takes courage to grow Cabernet Sauvignon in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, but Craig Wessels' two sites, both planted in 1998 but with different soil types and exposures, consistently deliver the goods. This is lighter and more forward than the 2015 - it could almost be a Cabernet Franc - with graphite and black cherry flavours and filigree tannins.' - Tim Atkin SA Special Report, 95/100

Restless River Le Luc Pinot Noir 2019
'Medium-intensity garnet. (Writing these notes I thought this was a 2018!) Much sweeter, fresher, fruitier and more youthful on the nose than the 2017. Attractive perfume. Very nice balance between sweet raspberry fruit and acidity. Fine tannins suggest this wine has an exciting future. Neat finish. ' - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20 (Feb 2020)

'Craig Wessels makes his ever-improving Pinot Noir from a single block planted with clones 113, 115 and 777. Picked in three stages, it's the most complete release yet: savoury, scented and finely oaked, with 20% whole bunch spice, silky tannins and wild strawberry and pomegranate fruit. Very promising indeed. 2021-26 ' - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2020, 94/100

'The 2019 Le Luc comes from 1.2 hectares of Pinot Noir planted on granite soils in 2013 in Upper Hemel-en-Aarde. It has an aromatically pleasing bouquet of black cherries, mint and light potpourri scents, almost Volnay like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity. A lilting Pinot Noir that delivers satisfying substance and grip on the finish. This is a very well crafted wine that will be difficult to resist in its youth.' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Oct 2020)

'Smokiness, raspberry and nettle unite into a nose of exquisite, spicy, vivid, red-fruited freshness. The palate has concentration and brushes with the finest tannin, like starched Atlas silk. Aromatic top notes of redcurrant and cherry swirl, while that smokiness alternates with notions of white pepper. A most poetic Pinot.' - Falstaff, Anne Krebiehl MW, 96/100

'Very expressive nose with notes of dark cherry, musk and spice. The palate has great fruit purity and tannin structure - full and concentrated yet wonderfully energetic and detailed. Lovely freshness and crunchy tannins. This is the real deal.' - Winemag, Christian Eedes, 95/100