Restless River is one of the greatest producers in the beautiful Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Owned and run by Craig and Anne Wessels, along with their son Luc, their Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs will make you fall in love with these varieties all over again.
The Ava Marie 2024 is the pinnacle of Hemel-en-Aarde Chardonnay. ‘World-class’, says Tim Atkin MW of this powerful, citrus and floral-driven wine from the oldest Chardonnay vineyard in the region. If Chardonnay is your thing, this should be at the top of your list.
Their Le Luc 2024 is a Pinot Noir that rivals fine Burgundy – but at a fraction of the price. The aromatics of the 2024 are intoxicating, ebbing between bright cherry, pressed rose petals, Christmas spice and a citrus lift reminiscent of a Negroni. The tannins are fine, the finish long, and there’s a regal elegance that’s hard to match. Put a few bottles away if you can resist.
Now in their second vintage, the Klein Hemel wines are produced from exciting young vineyards planted in Cederberg shale (unheard of in the Hemel-en-Aarde!). And while they’re made to drink within 5-8 years, these wines are by no means simple.
Klein Hemel Chardonnay 2025 is tightly focused, with citrus, white florals and plenty of concentration beneath its freshness. Klein Hemel Pinot Noir 2025 is lively and savoury, showing tart cranberry, oyster shell, floral stem and earthy complexity. Both releases are delicious now, especially at the table, but the Pinot in particular will be fascinating to follow with a little time in bottle.
Tasting Notes:
Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2024
‘Ava Marie comes from the oldest Chardonnay vineyard in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, planted in 1998 with three sparkling wine clones, and is a world-class expression of the variety. Focused, pithy, layered and refined, it has granitic energy, a sappy, savoury palate of gunflint, aniseed and lemon butter and very subtle 10% new oak. The 40% malolactic puts just the right amount of flesh on the bones. ‘ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2026, 97/100
Restless River Le Luc Pinot Noir 2024
‘Craig Wessels sources his top Pinot Noir, named after his son, Luke, from older vineyards at Restless River, planted with the 113, 115 and 777 clones in 2013. The 25% new oak is adroitly handled here, adding structure and perfume to a savoury, nicely layered palate with 20% whole clusters, an undertow of granite, racy acidity and a core of raspberry, clove and red cherry.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2026, 95/100
Restless River Klein Hemel Chardonnay 2025
‘Something of a bargain at Restless River, this is a granite-dominated Chardonnay from younger vineyards in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Fermented in 10% new oak, with 60% malolactic adding to the mix, it has white flower and cinnamon aromas, layers of beeswax, aniseed and wet stone and racy, transparent finish.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2026, 94/100
Restless River Klein Hemel Pinot Noir 2025
‘The entry-point wines from Craig and Ann Wessels are made with the same attention to detail as the top wines, so are well worth tracking down. Younger vines planted with the 113, 115 and 777 clones supply the raw material here, producing a smooth, crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir that’s deceptively easy to drink with 10% whole clusters and juicy goji berry and summer pudding flavours.’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2026, 93/100
