Awards and Accolades 🏆

Gold Medal and 95 Points
Swan Valley Wine Show

94 Points – Ray Jordan
A top year for Chenin in the Swan Valley and he notes this release stacks up with the very best from Nikola. Praised for its balance, flavour and length, with melon and light citrus on the nose, crunchy acidity and a bite of tropical fruits on the palate. Delicious now with the potential for medium term cellaring.

Tasting Notes 🍇

• Colour
  Pale straw with a bright, youthful sheen.
• Aromatics
  Lifted citrus zest and lemon oil with notes of red apple, nectarine and delicate stone fruits. Hints of melon and just ripe strawberry add extra interest and charm.
• Palate
  Finely balanced and textural. A talc like mouthfeel carries layers of crisp pomme fruit and granny smith apple. Subtle touches of strawberry and tropical fruits add generosity while the crunchy acidity keeps everything focused and refreshing.
• Finish
  Long, aromatic and refined with lingering citrus, apple and mineral lift.

Winemaker’s Note

Fruit is sourced entirely from plot 7, planted in 1963, a rare block of old vine Chenin Blanc. The fruit was picked at optimal ripeness, then matured on fine lees before bottling in July 2025. The result is a wine that combines depth and generosity from old vines with the brightness and purity that Swan Valley Chenin is known for.

Viticulture and Winemaking

• Region: Swan Valley, Western Australia

• Variety: 100 percent Chenin Blanc

• Vineyard: Plot 7, old vines planted 1963

• Harvest: Early January in a warm, early season that delivered excellent quality fruit from well managed blocks

• Winemaking:

  • Carefully picked and gently handled to protect aromatics

  • Maturation on fine lees to build texture and complexity

  • Bottled July 2025 to capture freshness and aromatic lift

Technical Details

• Alcohol: 13 %

• pH: 3.23

• TA: 6.0 g per litre

Serving and Cellaring ❄️

• Serving Temperature: 8 degrees for maximum refreshment and aromatics

• Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now for its energy and crunch or cellar 5 to 8 years as it develops honey, toast and lanolin complexity

Food Pairing Suggestions 🍽️

• Crispy pork belly with apple and fennel salad

• Grilled fish tacos with lime and cabbage slaw

• Soft rind cheeses and washed rind styles

• Vietnamese chicken salad with mint and coriander

• Roast chicken with lemon and garlic

FAQ 🧐

Why does old vine Chenin matter?
Older vines tend to produce lower yields with greater concentration, giving more depth and texture in the glass.

Will it age like Loire Chenin?
Swan Valley Chenin has an excellent track record for ageing. Expect this to develop honeyed, toasty and nutty notes over time while retaining its core of citrus and apple.

Is it only for Chenin fans?
Not at all. If you enjoy high quality Riesling, Chardonnay or Fiano, this offers a similar mix of freshness, texture and food friendliness.

A brilliant example of modern Swan Valley Chenin Blanc that combines history, precision and sheer drinkability. 🍏🍋

Learn About Nikola Estate

Nikola Estate Winery in the Swan Valley of Western Australia produces some amazing value for money wines. Today, as Australia’s second oldest winery.

Nikola Estate meticulously crafts wines from its original grapevines, blending tradition with modern winemaking techniques. This winery is rooted in the rich heritage of the Yukich family, who have been the dedicated caretakers of these historic vines for four generations. Their deep understanding of the land and climate informs every aspect of the winemaking process, resulting in wines that truly reflect the unique character of the Swan Valley.

The Yukich family’s journey began in 1929 when young Croatian immigrant Nikola Yukich arrived in the Swan Valley, filled with dreams of establishing a vineyard in his new home. Starting with modest plantings on his property, he nurtured his aspirations, and over time, his efforts blossomed alongside the family’s growing presence in this esteemed wine-producing region. The dedication and hard work of Nikola laid a strong foundation for what would become a lasting legacy.

In 1989, the Yukich family took a significant step forward by acquiring 117 acres from the Hardy family, a crucial segment of the original Houghton estate. This acquisition led to the establishment of Oakover Wines, further cementing the family’s commitment to the wine industry. The evolution of their venture continued in 2019 when they acquired a neighbouring property, along with the remaining landholdings of Houghton Wines, marking the genesis of Nikola Estate. This strategic expansion not only enhanced their vineyard resources but also deepened their connection to the region’s winemaking heritage.

Today, Nikola Estate Wines uniquely express the terroir of Western Australia and the rare old vines from which they are crafted. Each wine in their collection reflects the strengths of this historic wine region, showcasing a range of styles from the Regional expressions and the premium Gallery wine range to the exquisite Rare fortifieds and approachable Estate wines. The winemaking team focuses on producing wines that are not only elegant and rich but also accessible, inviting wine lovers to experience the distinct qualities that define the Swan Valley. With an unwavering commitment to quality and tradition, Nikola Estate continues to honour its roots while embracing the future of winemaking in Western Australia.

We offer Free Perth delivery on all orders over $75. Mix and match your favourite Nikola wine with our huge selection of West Aussie wines!

Read the latest Ray Joran Nikola Estate Wine Reviews HERE