From the oldest Cabernet vineyard in the Hemel-en-Aarde, planted in 1998, comes the most unique Cabernet Sauvignon in South Africa. 2021 was an amazing vintage for the Restless River Main Road & Dignity. Extended hangtime created an abundance of ripe, dark fruit with a maritime, oyster shell undertow and remarkably smooth, fine tannins.
Tasting through a vertical of 15 vintages of the Main Road & Dignity, it’s evident that these wines need cellaring. The latest releases from husband-and-wife team Craig and Anne Wessels are ‘ambitious, meticulous, and dedicated’, notes Christian Eedes.
‘Bravo!’ says Tim Atkin MW of the Ava Marie Chardonnay 2022. Craig has farmed this vineyard for 26 years, honing his craft, and ‘everything is aligned on his superb 2022 release’ says Tim. This is a Chardonnay to cellar!
A relative newcomer to the range is the Le Luc Pinot Noir. Each vintage has shown an improvement in quality and 2022 is no different, abounding with succulent, juicy fruit and great concentration. Craig is a Burgundy nut and this wine reflects his Burgundian aspirations.
Tasting Notes:
Restless River Main Road & Dignity Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
‘Four different clones, planted on three different sites, make up the blend of this celebrated cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon that’s just notched up its twentieth vintage. Curated for two years in 30% new oak, it has graphite and fynbos, damson and blackcurrant flavours, sturdy tannins and a palate that flirts with but avoids greenness. Sui generis.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 94/100
‘Grapes from two blocks, the oldest in the general Hemel-en-Aarde area, planted 1998. Matured for 24 months in 225-litre barrels, 25% new. On the nose, red and black berries, floral perfume, a subtle herbal note, a hint of olive and pencil shavings. The palate shows pure fruit, lively acidity and silky tannins, the finish gently savoury. Hardly opulent but there’s definitely a smoothness about it. Alc: 14.1%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100
Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2022
‘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-to achieve 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!’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 97/100
‘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%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100
Restless River Le Luc Pinot Noir 2022
‘”I’ve found the target,” says Burgundy nut Craig Wessels of the seventh vintage of Le Luc. Made with clones 113, 115 and 777 and fermented with 20% whole bunches, it’s a succulent, layered, intensely floral red with some subtle reduction, a hint of salami, stylish 30% new wood and flavours of plum and black cherry. ‘ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 95/100 ‘Grapes from a vineyard planted in 2013. 10% whole-bunch fermentation before maturation lasting 12 months in 228-litre barrels, 30% new. Red and black berries, musk, mushroom and white pepper on the nose while the palate combines impressive weight with verve. It’s a poised wine with well-defined fruit, lemon-like acidity and fine tannins. 13.3%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
