E. J. McDougall Earns Two 97-Point Wines in Outstanding 2026 Robert Parker Debut
Three Wines. Two 97s. One Remarkable Debut.
E. J. McDougall’s 2026 release has made an exceptional first impression, with Robert Parker Wine Advocate’s Erin Larkin awarding two wines 97 points and a third 96 points. The scores place the Australian producer among the exciting emerging names to watch across fine wine.
A Strong First Statement from E. J. McDougall
The 2026 collection was personally selected by Erin Larkin for her April 2026 Australian round-up, making Robert Parker Wine Advocate the first publication to review these new vintages.
Across three wines from two of Australia’s most respected regions, the results were striking: 97 points for the 2024 McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz, 96 points for the 2024 McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache, and 97 points for the 2025 Margaret River Chardonnay.
Together, they reflect E. J. McDougall’s focus on provenance, regional character and wines built with longevity in mind.
2024 McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz — 97 Points
McLaren Vale · Blewitt Springs, South Australia
Drink 2026–2039 · 14.5% alc. · Reviewed March 18, 2026
Larkin describes the Shiraz as an “excellent, modern, sophisticated” expression of Australian Shiraz, highlighting its freshness, dark fruit, exotic character and finely structured tannins.
Produced from vines planted in 1939 and 1942, the wine combines the depth of old vines with the spice and energy characteristic of McLaren Vale.
Few bottles remain — enquire now.
2024 McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache — 96 Points
McLaren Vale · Blewitt Springs, South Australia
Drink 2026–2039 · 14.5% alc. · Reviewed March 18, 2026
Floral and perfumed, the 2024 Grenache opens with rose petals, graphite, sweet tobacco and tapenade before developing into a generous, persistent palate.
Larkin identifies it as a wine of place and an excellent example of McLaren Vale Grenache, one of Australia’s increasingly compelling fine-wine styles.
Opening soon — join the waitlist.
2025 Margaret River Chardonnay — 97 Points
Margaret River, Western Australia
Drink 2026–2040 · 13.8% alc. · Reviewed March 18, 2026
Silky, precise and detailed, the 2025 Chardonnay combines vibrant natural acidity with a broad, complex texture. Pink grapefruit, white flowers, white peach, summer fig, pepper and brine lead into a long, finely balanced finish.
The wine is scheduled for release in August 2026.
Wines Built on Provenance and Place
For E. J. McDougall, these scores are more than recognition. They reinforce a philosophy centred on fine wine, old-vine provenance, regional expression and classical structure.
“This 2026 release represents everything we have worked towards — wines of authentic provenance, classical structure, and genuine regional expression. We are just beginning.”
— Edward McDougall, Proprietor & Oenologue, E. J. McDougall
With limited Shiraz remaining and the Grenache and Chardonnay opening to collectors, the 2026 release offers an early opportunity to discover a Fine Wine of Australia producer establishing its reputation on the international stage.
The Shiraz, in particular, carries a sense of urgency — with only a small number of bottles remaining, it represents the final opportunity to secure this extraordinary debut vintage from one of McLaren Vale’s oldest surviving blocks. The Grenache and Chardonnay will open to new collectors soon; those wishing to be among the first are encouraged to register their interest now.
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E.J. Mc Dougall
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E.J. Mc Dougall
The arrival of E. J. McDougall wines marks a new era in the world of high-end Australian wines.
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