Swan Oaked Chardonnay 2022

Tasting Notes:

The John Kosovich Oaked Chardonnay 2022 is a captivating expression of Swan Valley’s exceptional terroir, showcasing the winery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The wine opens with fresh, enticing aromas of peach and melon, with delicate oak undertones adding complexity. These vibrant fruit characters are beautifully balanced by crisp acidity, creating a lively and fresh mouthfeel.

The fermentation in French oak imparts a subtle depth and complexity to the wine, enhancing its structure and giving it a smooth, refined finish. The result is a Chardonnay that combines elegance with the rich fruit-forward qualities of the region.

Perfect Pairings: This Chardonnay’s crisp acidity and vibrant fruit make it an excellent companion for a wide variety of dishes, including seafood, creamy risottos, and pasta. Whether enjoying a casual meal or a special occasion, it will elevate the dining experience.

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, located in the heart of the Swan Valley, is renowned for its commitment to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Established by the Kosovich family, the winery draws on decades of viticultural experience, melding traditional techniques with modern winemaking practices.

The Swan Valley is Australia’s second oldest wine region, known for its Mediterranean climate, which offers long, warm summers and mild winters. This ideal growing environment allows for a diverse range of grape varieties to flourish. In addition to their Swan Valley vineyard, John Kosovich Winery also manages a vineyard in Pemberton, where they cultivate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. This expansion allows them to explore a broader range of varietals and express the distinct characteristics of each region.

One of the hallmarks of John Kosovich Winery is their meticulous approach to viticulture. The family is dedicated to hand-picking grapes at optimal ripeness to ensure that the fruit’s natural flavours are preserved. This attention to detail is evident in the wines, which often exhibit vibrant fruit characters balanced by finesse and complexity.

The winery is particularly noted for its Chenin Blanc, which has gained recognition for its quality and expression. With several accolades to its name, the John Kosovich Chenin Blanc exemplifies the potential of this varietal in the Swan Valley, showcasing both fresh, fruit-driven styles and more complex, aged versions.

In addition to their white wines, the winery’s red varietals, particularly their Cabernet and Petit Verdot, reflect the rich, full-bodied style that the region is known for. These wines often feature bold flavours, fine tannins, and a structure that allows for ageing, appealing to both casual drinkers and serious collectors alike.

Sustainability is also a key focus at John Kosovich Winery. The family employs environmentally friendly practices in both the vineyard and winery, ensuring that they not only produce exceptional wines but also contribute positively to the ecosystem.

Visitors to the winery can expect a warm welcome, with opportunities to taste a selection of their wines while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. With a strong foundation built on family values and a passion for winemaking, John Kosovich Winery continues to thrive, offering exceptional wines that embody the spirit of the Swan Valley and the Pemberton region.

Read the latest Ray Jordan Wine Reviews HERE

Learn more about Decanting your Kosovich Wine

Best Wineries In The Swan Valley

The Swan Valley boasts a collection of esteemed wineries, blending time-honoured traditions with contemporary flair. John Kosovich, Lancaster, Nikola, Faber, Sittella, Talijancich, Sandalford, Houghton & River Bank Estate are just some of the fantastic wineries of the region. We are proud to stock a number of the best wines from Swan Valley Vineyards. See our range HERE

The Swan Valley is renowned for its exceptional grape varieties that thrive in its distinctive terroir. Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, and Shiraz are among the standout stars of the region, producing wines that combine fruit-forward flavours with elegance and a unique minerality. Local winemakers take great pride in crafting wines that truly reflect the character of the Swan Valley. Additionally, the region has a long-standing reputation for producing outstanding Ports and fortified wines from these varietals.

Situated along the banks of the Swan River in Perth, Western Australia, the Swan Valley has long been a haven for wine enthusiasts seeking a taste of its rich viticultural history. Over the past century, this picturesque valley has blossomed into a prominent wine-producing region, boasting a unique terroir, favourable climate, and a diverse range of renowned wineries.

Who Are They?

There is a long list of great wines in the region, in no particular order let’s learn a little more about a few of the wineries.

John Kosovich is 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 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

Lancaster Wines is recognised for producing premium wines. Established in 1960, Lancaster now sits on 10ha growing a wide varietal of people pleasing wines. Owners Carl & Jackie own this family operated, boutique vineyard with some of the oldest vines in the area. Lancaster Vineyard in the Swan Valley produces classics like Chenin Blanc, Verdelho & Grenache.
Their Old Vines Shiraz & 9 Rows Cabernet are also favourites of many wine enthusiasts. If you have been on a Perth wine tour chances are you have tried some wines from Lancaster Winery. Most Swan Valley tours stop in for a wine and cheese tasting. Planning a Swan Valley tour? Visit the official Swan Valley Wine Region HERE

Nikola Estate Wines are forged on tradition, embodying the knowledge and foresight that has been faithfully passed down through four generations of the Yukich family, caretakers of these historic vines. In 1929, the Yukich family’s journey began in the Swan Valley, courtesy of a young Croatian immigrant named Nikola Yukich, who harboured aspirations of establishing a vineyard upon relocating to Western Australia. Commencing with modest plantings on his property, the enterprise steadily flourished alongside the family’s growing presence in this esteemed wine-producing district.

In 1989, the Yukich family expanded their holdings by acquiring 117 acres from the Hardy family, an integral segment of the original Houghton estate, subsequently establishing Oakover Wines. This venture evolved further in 2019, with the acquisition of neighbouring property and the remaining landholdings of Houghton Wines, marking the genesis of Nikola Estate.

Today, Nikola Estate Wines uniquely expresses Western Australian terroir and of the rare old vines from which they are crafted. From our Regional expressions and our Gallery wine range to our Rare fortifieds and our approachable Estate wines, each wine in our collection reflects the strengths of this historic wine region with its rich and elegant wine styles.

Read the latest Ray Joran Nikola Estate Wine Reviews HERE

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