Burgundy and Champagne

Timed Online Auction, 28 August - 9 September 2024

Burgundy - White
About the Session

Burgundy is home to one of the world's greatest white grapes: Chardonnay. 


Sold for

ZAR 7 035
Lot 62
  • Restless River; Ava Marie Chardonnay; 2017; 6 (1 x 6); 750ml


Lot Estimate
ZAR 7 000 - 10 000
Selling Price
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
ZAR 7 035

About this Item

2017 Ava Marie Chardonnay
6 (1 x 6) 750ml

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.

Craig has carved out a unique style with his single vineyard Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay (named after daughter Ava) that reflects his philosophy of minimum intervention and linear wines, shaped by place and vintage.

Provenance

Wine Cellar Private Client

Critics Ratings

'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

View all Restless River lots for sale in this auction