2022 Restless River Ava Maria Chardonnay
We are thrilled to offer the highly acclaimed 2022 vintage of Restless River’s ‘Ava Marie’ Chardonnay, a true benchmark for South African Chardonnay. Awarded an outstanding 97 points by both Tim Atkin MW and Decanter, this wine exemplifies the elegance and precision of the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Restless River, led by Craig and Anne Wessels, is renowned for its terroir-driven approach, crafting wines of remarkable finesse, depth, and structure.
The 2022 ‘Ava Marie’ Chardonnay offers a beautifully textured palate with notes of citrus zest, beeswax, and white pear, underpinned by a refined mineral core. Aged in French oak and terracotta amphorae, it balances freshness with complexity, ensuring exceptional aging potential. At £210 IB per 6x75cl, this wine delivers world-class quality at a compelling price, further cementing Hemel-en-Aarde as one of the finest regions outside Burgundy for classically styled Chardonnay.
Why Buy?
- Restless River has established itself as a benchmark estate in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, producing terroir-driven wines of outstanding precision and depth.
- Awarded an impressive 97 points by both Tim Atkin MW and Decanter, this wine has received exceptional critical acclaim.
- At just £35 IB per bottle (£210 IB per 6x75cl), this wine delivers world-class quality at a fraction of the price of top white Burgundies.
- The 2022 vintage showcases remarkable freshness, layered texture, and a refined mineral core, ensuring both immediate appeal and long-term aging potential.
- Few places outside Burgundy produce such beautifully crafted, classically styled Chardonnay, and the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley continues to prove itself as one of the finest regions for the variety.
From the Critics...
97 Points, Tim Atkin MW, South African Report 2024
“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!”
97 Points, Decanter
“…Quickly becoming something of an icon wine, the 2022 is firing on all cylinders – sensational smoky oystershell reduction, lemon leaf, blossom and creamed white pear part to an elegant yet weighted palate, flush with fruit and the house’s signature savoury acidity.”
95 Points, James Suckling
“This chardonnay is immensely textural and mineral. Salted almonds, lemon pith, Asian pears, chamomile and salted butter follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate, showing lots of depth and plenty of chewy phenolics…”
91 Points, Neal Martin
“…It has a potent nose that demands attention, displaying lime fruit, citrus peel and a touch of chamomile in the background. The palate is well balanced with good concentration and depth. Slightly waxy in texture, it takes a little time to cohere, but there is a lovely orange rind and dried pineapple note on the finish. Afford this two or three years in bottle…if you can resist”
More on Restless River
Restless River is located in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, the second closest appellation to the sea and the largest of the three in the region. With its cool maritime climate and decomposed granite soils over clay, the area is ideal for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines.
The winery’s name comes from the nearby Onrus River (Afrikaans for “Restless River”). True to its name, the estate is constantly evolving under the gentle guidance of Craig and Anne Wessels…