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Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2022

R690.00

Region: Hemel – En -Aarde

Tasting note:

‘After 26 years of farming it, Craig Wessels knows how to get the best out of this remarkable vineyard. Everything is aligned on his superb 2022 release, which shows a difficult-toachieve combination of freshness and density. Oatmeal, struck match and lemongrass aromas segue into a palate of subtle baking spices, beeswax and citrus zest complemented by lees-derived texture. Bravo! 2025-35’ – Tim Atkin MW 97pts

‘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  97pts

4 in stock.
As our stock is sold through our two retail outlets and online, stock levels are provided as a guide only and are liable to change.

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Restless River is a rising star which has quietly achieved cult-status for its brilliant, Burgundian-style Chardonnay and lean Cabernet Sauvignon. The Restless River label was launched in 2012 and is managed and owned by Craig and Anne Wessels, winemaker and manager respectively. The farm is situated in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, with vineyards at an altitude reaching 366m and is 5km from the cold South Atlantic ocean. This appellation is unique with ancient, granite-based, rocky, deep clay soils; extremely rare to the greater Walker Bay area. Daytime temperatures during summer are some of the lowest in the South African winelands. The farm has some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in the Hemel-en-Aarde, with vines first planted in 1999. Pinot Noir followed, planted in 2013. Almost all their production is done by hand, resulting in limited quantities of each wine.
The Ava Marie Chardonnay is named after their daughter. This is a powerhouse of a wine – not in its weight, but its intensity.  This site-specific Chardonnay bears the name of its vineyard, only 2.06ha in size and is registered as a Single Vineyard.
Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2022

4 in stock.
As our stock is sold through our two retail outlets and online, stock levels are provided as a guide only and are liable to change.