It is with great pride that E. J. McDougall announces that the 2024 E. J. McDougall McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz has been rated 97 Points by Erin Larkin of Robert Parker Wine Advocate, and that the label continues to be dedicated to producing site-expressive, world-class wine using the most historic vineyards in Australia.

This release is sourced from two outstanding McLaren Vale blocks planted on their own roots in 1939 and 1942, and is a reflection of the depth and continuity of old-vine viticulture in one of the most respected wine regions in Australia.

Erin Larkin writes in her review:

“The 2024 Old Vine Shiraz hails from two old blocks planted on own roots—one planted in 1939 and the other planted in 1942. The wine leads with mulberry compote and cracked timut pepper… This is delicate and fresh, simple/singular, dark-fruited and exotic. There’s vibrancy here that lifts up above the density of fruit… This is an excellent, modern, sophisticated example of Australian Shiraz…” 

Robert Parker Wine Advocate, which was established by Robert Parker, is still one of the most influential publications in the fine wine sector of the world. Its reviews have, over the decades, been a defining factor in how the international community perceives, allocates demand, and trusts collectors, and scores are frequently considered a standard of quality and cellar worthiness.

Larkin also emphasises the accuracy of the winemaking method, which includes fermentation in concrete with some whole-bunch inclusion, and maturation in foudre and long bottle ageing prior to release. The outcome is characterised as being finely woven, and the tannins are more about graphite and elegance than strength or mass.

Proprietor and Oenologist, Edward McDougall, says:

This is a great honour for us, as it is not only the hard work of our team but also the legacy of the vineyards we are so lucky to work with. Our mission has always been to articulate place in a clear, restrained and natural way.

This 97-point review is a major testament to the quest of E. J. McDougall to achieve elegance, structure and longevity in Australian Shiraz, influenced by some of the oldest surviving vines in McLaren Vale.

Thanks to the team of Robert Parker Wine Advocate and Erin Larkin in particular, who took the time to review and recognise.

To get more information or allocation questions, go to ejmcdougall.com or contact wine@ejmcdougall.com