John Kosovich Mara Chenin Blanc 2024

Accolades

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.