John Kosovich Cabernet Malbec Reserve 2022

Tasting Notes

🔹 Appearance – Deep ruby red with a vibrant purple hue, indicating its youthful intensity.

🔹 Aroma – A lifted bouquet of blackberry, cassis, dark plum, and hints of tobacco, complemented by subtle spice and cedar from French oak aging.

🔹 Palate – Rich, fruit-driven flavours of blackcurrant, ripe mulberry, and dark cherry lead into a finely structured, smooth and full-bodied mouthfeel. The Malbec component brings a touch of floral elegance, while the Cabernet’s firm tannins add depth and longevity.

🔹 Finish – Long and lingering, with a balance of fruit, spice, and fine tannins that promises excellent ageing potential.

Winemaking

🔹 Co-Fermentation for Seamless Integration – The Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are fermented together, ensuring a harmonious blend where the two varieties complement rather than compete.

🔹 French Oak Maturation – Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, which adds subtle spice, cedar, and structure, while allowing the fruit purity to shine.

🔹 Minimal Intervention – Crafted to preserve the essence of the fruit, highlighting the cool-climate elegance of Pemberton’s terroir.

Serving Temperature & Best Enjoyment

🔹 Ideal Serving Temperature: 16–18°C

• Serving at the right temperature enhances the wine’s balance and expression. Too warm, and the alcohol may feel overpowering; too cold, and the flavours become muted.

🔹 How to achieve the perfect temperature:

• If kept at room temperature (above 20°C), pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.

🔹 What this brings out in the wine:
At 16–18°C, the wine’s dark fruit, spice, and fine tannins will be perfectly expressed, delivering optimal drinking pleasure.

Perfect Pairings

🔹 Grilled & Roasted Meats – A classic match for roast lamb, chargrilled steak, or slow-cooked short ribs, where the wine’s structure complements the richness of the dish.

🔹 Aged & Bold Cheeses – Pairs beautifully with cheddar, blue cheese, or gouda, enhancing the wine’s dark fruit and savoury spice.

🔹 Hearty Vegetarian Dishes – Try it with mushroom risotto, ratatouille, or roasted eggplant, where the Malbec’s floral lift adds an extra dimension to the pairing.

FAQ ❓

🔹 Why is Malbec blended with Cabernet Sauvignon?
Malbec softens the structure of Cabernet, adding floral aromatics, deep fruit, and a silky mouthfeel, making the wine more approachable while maintaining complexity.

🔹 What does “co-fermented” mean?
Co-fermentation means the two grape varieties are fermented together, rather than being blended after fermentation. This technique helps the flavours meld seamlessly for a more harmonious final wine.

🔹 Can I drink this wine now, or should I cellar it?
Absolutely drinkable now! But with up to 15 years of ageing potential, it will develop greater depth, softer tannins, and more complex secondary flavours like tobacco, leather, and dried fruit over time.

🔹 What’s the benefit of French oak ageing?
French oak imparts subtle spice, structure, and texture without overpowering the fruit, allowing the wine to maintain its natural elegance and finesse.