Restless River Klein Hemel Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir 2024

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Restless River Klein Hemel Hemel-en-Aarde Pinot Noir

Region Hemel-En-Aarde, Walker Bay, South Africa

Vintage 2024

Bottle size 75cl

Grape Pinot Noir

ABV 13.5%

Pale ruby red in hue. The nose features lifted aromas of rose petal, red cherry, and spice. On the palate, a core of red berries is structured with lively acidity, smooth tannins, and a savoury undertone.

The Restless River estate is located in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Here, proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, coastal breezes, regular cloud cover and high elevations, result in some of South Africa’s coolest daytime temperatures. Fruit for the Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards planted from 2017 to 2020 on the estate. The site is situated between 240 to 330 metres above sea level on north, east and west facing mid slopes. The vines are guyot trained, dry-farmed and managed sustainably.

Hand-harvested grapes are sorted upon arrival, with 90% gently destemmed. Fermentation begins with indigenous yeasts in small, open-top oak fermenters, and gentle pump overs and punch downs were carried out to ensure integrated, fine tannins. Soft basket pressing into 228L French oak barrels was followed by 12 months ageing in barrel (20% new). The wine is then aged in bottle for another nine months before it is released.

Beginning as a hobby for self-taught winemaker, Craig Wessels, Restless River is now a world-renowned producer of cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay described by Neal Martin as having “real Burgundian allure”. In 2004, Craig and his wife Anne bought a run-down sheep farm in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, with a view to raising their family away from the city. By chance, the farm was also home to the area’s oldest remaining Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, planted in 1998. Farming these vines became a serious passion, leading Craig to start making wine in a small, converted garage on the estate. In 2012, the Restless River wines were officially launched and have continued to impress ever since.