Restless River Ava Marie Chardonnay 2022 750ml

• Hemel-en-Aarde Valley’s oldest Chardonnay vineyard (planted 1999)
• 2 hectares (5 acres) in size
• Granite and clay soil composition
• North and south-facing slopes at mid-elevation (270 meters)
• Chardonnay clones 55, 5, and 3; cordon-trained vines

Winemaking:

• Whole-bunch pressed using a traditional Vaslin basket press
• Juice allowed to oxidize naturally (no sulfur dioxide added until after fermentation)
• Spontaneous fermentation on lees with no stirring
• Aged for 12 months in a combination of:
  • 500-liter barrels (10% new oak)
  • Terracotta pots (5%)
  • One stainless steel barrel (2.5%)
• Grapes harvested in 8 separate parcels over 3 weeks, vinified individually
• Matched cooperage, barrel age, and toasting levels for each parcel
• Blended after 3 months in stainless steel tank
• Bottled and aged for 18 months before release

Critical Acclaim:

• Christian Eedes (Winemag.co.za): 97 points – “Complex aromas” with floral notes, citrus, and a touch of creaminess. The palate delivers dense fruit, lively acidity, and a savory finish.
• Tim Atkin MW: 97 points – A “superb” wine showcasing a unique combination of freshness and density. Aromas of oatmeal, lemongrass, and spices lead to a palate with hints of baking spices, beeswax, and citrus.