Ray Jordan Review

The Kosovichs source this from their Pemberton vineyard. It’s an effortless wine of structure and poise. Cloves and spices with a dark liqueur cherry character on the nose. The palate is plush but there is a firmish core to support. Balanced and intense with a long finish. Ray Jordan Wine Review – 92 Points

Tasting Notes 🍷

🔹 Appearance – Light to medium ruby with brilliant clarity.

🔹 Aroma – A bouquet of spice, clove, red cherries, and subtle oak, with hints of dried herbs.

🔹 Palate – A savoury, structured style with twiggy herbs, earthiness, and a dry, persistent finish.

🔹 Finish – Long and lingering, with tannins providing a fine yet firm backbone for ageing.

Winemaking

🔹 Hand-harvested – Carefully picked fruit from Pemberton’s cool-climate vineyard.

🔹 Whole-bunch – Inclusion for added spice, texture, and tannin structure.

🔹 Minimal – Intervention to preserve the natural character of the fruit.

🔹 Oak-aged – Matured in seasoned French oak for subtle texture and integration.

Serving Temperature & Best Enjoyment

🔹 Ideal – 14–16°C

🔹 Why – Enhances Pinot Noir’s delicate balance; too warm, and alcohol dominates; too cold, and elegance is muted.

🔹 How –

• If stored at room temperature (above 20°C), chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.
• If stored in the fridge, let it sit out for 15 minutes before pouring.

🔹 Result – At 14–16°C, spice, earthiness, and red fruit shine with perfect balance.

Perfect Pairings

🔹 Grilled meats – Complements lamb, roast duck, and slow-cooked pork.

🔹 Mushrooms – Ideal with mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or roasted root vegetables.

🔹 Cheese – Pairs beautifully with Brie, Camembert, or washed-rind cheeses.

FAQ: Understanding Wine Terms ❓

🔹 Whole-Bunch Fermentation – Instead of destemming the grapes, the whole bunch (including stems) is fermented. This can add structure, tannins, and savoury, herbal notes to the wine.

🔹 Tannins – The natural compounds from grape skins, seeds, and stems that give wine a drying, slightly bitter sensation. In this Pinot Noir, they provide structure and help with ageing.

🔹 Minimal Intervention – A winemaking approach where little is done to manipulate the wine, allowing the natural fruit expression to shine.

🔹 Seasoned Oak – Oak barrels that have been used before, softening the amount of wood influence in the wine, adding subtle complexity without overpowering fruit flavours.

🔹 Persistent Finish – How long the flavours of a wine linger after swallowing. A long finish, like in this Pinot Noir, is a sign of quality and depth.

🔹 Cool-Climate Wine – Grapes grown in cooler regions like Pemberton tend to have higher acidity, fresher flavours, and more elegance compared to warm-climate wines.

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