Young Guns and New Wave Producers
Timed Online Auction, 17 - 27 November 2023
Young Gun and New Wave Producers
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About this Item
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. Their farm is located in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and has some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay vines in the region (planted in 1998). Almost all their production is done by hand, resulting in limited quantities of each wine.
Provenance
Wine Cellar Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘From two cab blocks on the farm. 2017 riper than 2016 (4.5 stars, 94 pts) but beautifully proportioned, fresh & dry. There’s more flesh, succulence in the soft, dark-berried flavours, restrained by insistent grape tannins for lengthy maturation. Enticing cedar scents. French oak, 20% new, gives final polish.’ - Platter’s SA Wine Guide 2021, 5* (95/100)
‘Picked as late as May 7th in 2017 - surely the last in the country - this brilliant, cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon is a one-off. Leafy, pure and alluringly aromatic, it has a wonderful combination of freshness, depth and intensity, fine-boned tannins, fresh acidity and layers of cassis and black cherry flavour and complexity. The oak is expertly done. 2022-29’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2020, 95/100
‘Matured for 21 months in French oak, 20% new. The nose shows black and blue fruit, a leafy note and tilled earth. The palate is rich, full and relatively smooth in texture – plenty of dense, seemingly sweet fruit upfront (although technically dry with a residual sugar of 1.93g/l) before a finish that is long and savoury. At 14.5% alcohol, this is the showiest of recent vintages.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100 (Nov 2020)
‘The 2017 Main Road & Dignity comes from 1.59 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted in 1999 on granite soils. The enticing bouquet features blackberry, raspberry and light menthol scents; a touch of garrigue (wild fennel and thyme) emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with a cool, slightly herbaceous entry (mint and wild thyme again), beautiful balance and gentle grip. There is a savory, briny element to this Cabernet, and fine length on the finish. Excellent. 7,973 bottles produced.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 91/100 (Oct 2020)