Young Guns and New Wave Producers
Timed Online Auction, 17 - 27 November 2023
Young Gun and New Wave Producers
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
‘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)
‘It takes courage to grow Cabernet Sauvignon in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, but Craig Wessels' two sites, both planted in 1999 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. 2020-28’ - Tim Atkin SA Special Report 2020, 96/100
‘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)
‘Named for two blocks on the farm. Matured for some 22 months in barrel. Red fruit, fresh herbs, some leafiness and violets on the nose. The palate is light and fresh to the point of tart with very fine, powdery tannins. Old-school “claret” style.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 91/100 (Nov 2019)