Wine Critic Reviews

Ray Jordan – 95 points

This wine was introduced a couple of years ago, and it’s an absolute cracker. It’s made from hand-picked Swan Valley chenin blanc, which was then bunch sorted before a very gentle pressing. This gets the most from the beautiful fruit, which, despite the warm year, was exceptional. This isn’t a big fruit bomb. In fact, it’s quite spicy and fine with a tight core. Yet as it starts to release, the flavours build exponentially through to a very long finish. It’s a lovely wine, both textured and flavoursome.

Wine Companion – 93 points

A pulpy and bright chenin blanc with good depth of flavour, layers of saline and briny mineral charm, floral lift with green apple, nashi pear and lime crunch and chomp, and just a touch of quince and preserved lemon in there, too. Thirst-quenching in style, with plenty of time on its side to mature gracefully in the cellar.

Tasting Notes

🔹 Appearance – Pale gold with a radiant, youthful glow.

🔹 Aroma – Subtle and layered, featuring white florals, citrus, and spice, with hints of beeswax and orchard fruits.

🔹 Palate – Textured and refined, delivering fresh apple and apricot with savoury elements of brine, cheesecloth, and warm spice. A long, pure finish highlights the wine’s exceptional balance and ageing potential.

Winemaking

🔹 Vineyard – Sourced from the oldest Chenin Blanc vines in the Swan Valley, planted in 1962.

🔹 Hand-Harvested – Every grape is carefully hand-picked and bunch-sorted to ensure only the best fruit is used.

🔹 Gentle Pressing – The wine undergoes a soft, whole-bunch press to retain purity and delicacy.

🔹 Minimal Intervention – Crafted to showcase the fruit’s natural vibrancy and terroir-driven complexity.

Serving Temperature & Best Enjoyment 🌡️

🔹 Ideal Serving Temperature: 10–12°C

Why is temperature important?
Serving at the right temperature enhances the wine’s flavours and texture. If served too cold, the delicate floral and spice aromas may be muted, and the wine could taste too sharp. If too warm, the acidity might soften too much, making the wine feel less vibrant.

How to achieve the perfect temperature:

• If stored in the fridge, take the bottle out 10 minutes before serving.
• If at room temperature, place the bottle in an ice bucket or fridge for 60 minutes before opening.

At 10–12°C, the wine reveals its full range of aromas and flavours, balancing its crisp acidity with its textured mouthfeel. You’ll notice more of the subtle spice, honeyed notes, and complex fruit layers.

Perfect Pairings

🔹 Creamy & Savoury Dishes – Roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, or creamy pasta.

🔹 Aged Cheeses – Pairs beautifully with Comté, Gruyère, or an aged cheddar.

🔹 Seafood – Complements fresh oysters or seared scallops with a buttery sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What makes this Chenin Blanc unique?
🔹 Unlike fruit-driven, tropical Chenin Blancs, the Mara Chenin Blanc offers a more textural, savoury, and structured profile with exceptional ageing potential.

❓ How long can I cellar this wine?
🔹 With its acidity and structure, this wine will develop beautifully over 10+ years, evolving with richer honeyed and nutty complexities.

❓ What is “lanolin” in wine tasting notes?
🔹 Lanolin refers to a waxy, slightly oily texture found in aged Chenin Blancs, adding richness and mouthfeel. It’s similar to the feel of wool or beeswax.

❓ What does “brine” mean in wine?
🔹 Brine describes a subtle saltiness that can add complexity and savoury depth, often found in aged whites or wines with extended lees contact.

❓ Why does this Chenin Blanc have spice notes like cloves and star anise?
🔹 These spice elements naturally develop through fermentation and oak ageing, adding layers of complexity to the fruit-driven core.

Learn about John Kosovich Wines

John Kosovich Wines located on the northern side of the Swan Valley Wine Region has a long-standing reputation for producing premium quality wines. The family operated winery has a focus on quality boutique wines. Established in 1922, it sits amongst the oldest wineries operating in the Swan Valley and the oldest still run by the founding family.

John Kosovich Winery has forged a reputation for consistently producing wines of the highest order. In particular, their Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc have been recognized among the best white wines that the industry has to offer, while their reds are elegant, refined and easy drinking. The Kosovich philosophy is that the fruit should do the talking, and you will find that our reds are well rounded with oak, tannins and alcohol in harmony.

Read the latest Ray Jordan Wine Reviews HERE

Learn more about Decanting your Kosovich Wine

Swan Valley Wine Region

Historical Roots:

The roots of winemaking in the Swan Valley trace back to the early 19th century when European settlers recognised the region’s potential for viticulture. The Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm, dry summers and mild winters, provided an ideal environment for cultivating grapes. Italian and Croatian immigrants, in particular, played a pivotal role in establishing the first vineyards and wineries, introducing their traditional winemaking techniques to the fertile soils of the Swan Valley. The first vines were planted in 1829, making the Swan Valley Australia’s second oldest wine growing region. For the next 150 years, it was WA’s only wine region. And it is still the only wine region in the world, within a 25-minute drive of a major capital city.

Soil and Climate:

The Swan Valley’s terroir is shaped by its unique combination of soils and climate. The soil is predominantly sandy loam, providing excellent drainage for the vines. The warm climate, moderated by the nearby Indian Ocean, creates an optimal grape-growing environment. These factors contribute to the distinct characteristics of Swan Valley wines, marked by bold flavours and a vibrant acidity. Winter generally receives 550-700mm of rain per annum, with the majority falling from June to September. Climate pattens found on the East Coast like El Nino and La Nina have little influence on the region. Instead, winter and spring rain is effected by another climate driver called ‘SAM’ or Southern Annual Mode. Put simply this is the Low Pressure systems that hug Antarctica get pushed further North increasing rain to Southern parts of Western Australia.

You can learn more about this climate driver here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/sam/

Changes Over the Last 50 Years:

The past century has witnessed significant changes in the Swan Valley’s winemaking landscape. Technological advancements, changes in viticultural practices, and evolving consumer preferences have influenced the types of grapes grown and the styles of wine produced. The shift towards sustainable and organic practices is also evident, reflecting a commitment to preserving the region’s natural beauty.

Current Trends and Future Directions:

In recent years, Swan Valley wineries have embraced innovation while honouring traditional winemaking techniques. Boutique wineries, in particular, are gaining popularity, offering visitors a more intimate and personalised tasting experience. The region is also witnessing a surge in the production of alternative varieties, catering to a diverse range of palates. As the global wine industry evolves, Swan Valley remains at the forefront of quality and innovation

You can read the latest Swan Valley wine reviews HERE