The Restless River Klein Hemel Chardonnay is a wine from the South African winemaking region of Upper Hemel-en-Aarde. Restless River is a family-run estate known for elegant, Burgundian-style wines, and the Klein Hemel is one of its newer Chardonnay expressions.

Traditional. Whole bunch pressed using a 1970’s Vaslin basket press, allowing the juice to naturally brown
(oxidise). No sulphite added to juice, thus preserving the wild yeast and terroir expression. Aged 12 months in
a combination of Burgundy barrels, 10% new. Harvested over three weeks, each batch vinified separately,
matching both cooper and barrel age to each batch. Aged an additional nine months in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes: Zesty lemon, white peach, granitic minerality, subtle richness, and integrated. Natural fermentation, partial malolactic conversion, giving it great texture. Focused, pristine, taut, and linear, with excellent aging potential. Classic cool-climate profile with depth, making it ready to enjoy now but also capable of developing further in the cellar. 

‘Vineyard Selection is the entry-point Chardonnay from Craig and Ann Wessels, sourced from younger vineyards planted with the 95, 96 and 271 clones. Fermented with 40% malolactic in 10% new oak, it's steely, stony and saline, with a granitic core, a waft of toast and a chiselled, lemon and lime juice finish. 2025-30’ - Tim Atkin 94

From vineyards planted from 2017 to 2020 on granite soils. Matured for 12 months in 500-litre barrels, 10% new. A touch of struck-match reduction precedes aromas of lemon, oatmeal, and fresh bread. The palate shows a dense core of fruit and bright acidity, leading to a pithy finish. Well balanced and focused, it’s taut and driven without being overly angular or austere. Alc: 13.55%.’ - Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100