E. J. McDougall is proud to share outstanding reviews and ratings from acclaimed wine writer, educator, judge, and presenter Tom Kline. Residing in Victoria, Australia, Kline's vast experience and numerous accolades highlight the importance of his latest assessments.

2024 Margaret River Chardonnay

Score: 95

“The fruit for this inaugural Chardonnay release comes from the cool and southern Wallcliffe subregion of Margaret River… This is finespun from the outset with a complex aromatic melding of nougat, flint, grapefruit pith, nectarine and grilled nuts. A swirl of the glass unlocks further power and an undercurrent of saline twang adding savoury appeal. Power and finesse in good balance. The palate follows suit, with a creamy, pillowy texture wrapping around white peach, grapefruit, flint, fine cedar, and nougat with a cut of white grapefruit tensility. There’s excellent balance here, with harmonious texture and restrained fruit power furled within bright saline acidity and firm pithy phenolics. A shot of salinity piercing through a long finish. This is a classy and fine maiden release.”

Release date: 10th August 2025

Full review link: https://winepilot.com/e-j-mcdougall-chardonnay-2024/

2023 McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz

Score: 96

“From two small blocks in one vineyard planted in 1939 and 1942… Peppercorn, subtle stemmy spice, stewed rhubarb, tilled earth, dried herbs and black tea leaf sit above velvety, dark and vibrant forest berry fruits in the form of blackberry and black plum. There’s some savoury black olive and a whisper of paprika beneath, rounding out a poised and complex aromatic profile. The palate has a creamy and weighty texture, but it’s cut up and lifted by firm structure. Blackberry, brown spice, milk chocolate, stemminess, dried flowers, plum and mulberry are coiled within firm-but-fine grainy tannins. Great acidity here, it rolls through the back palate, adding coolness and lift, slicing through the wine’s textural heft. The finish is poised and long, with some espresso-like bitterness adding a gastronomic edge. This is dark in profile but with a velvety aesthetic, great complexity and critically architectural structure.”

Release date: 25th April 2025

Full review link: https://winepilot.com/e-j-mcdougall-old-vine-shiraz-2023/

2023 McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache (Blewitt Springs)

Score: 96

“From vines planted in 1939 in the hills of the heralded Blewitt Springs subregion… Wild raspberry, strawberry compote, dark cherry and asian spice make way for warm sand and clay earth first off. Air unlocks some heady ripe red rose, and there’s a mineral lift through its centre, adding intrigue. Interesting texture here, with a slightly granular creamy milk chocolate feel. Ripe plum, raspberry coulis, red rose and warm sand glide through the mouth before an assertive stack of grainy tannins constrict around the fruit, adding a mocha bitterness. Long tannins here, and when they finally subside, there’s a persistent undercurrent of cooling acidity elongating the finish. A finely crafted and site-expressive Grenache.”

Release date: 19th June 2025

Full review link: https://winepilot.com/e-j-mcdougall-old-vine-grenache-2023/

About Tom Kline

Tom Kline is the Australian contributor for Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for a global audience. He also contributes to renowned publications such as Decanter Magazine and Wine Spectator, along with various others in Australia and abroad.

As a member of the reviewing team for Winepilot, Tom Kline brings his discerning palate and extensive wine knowledge to his assessments. Additionally, he is a WSET educator and author of consumer-facing wine courses, further solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the industry.

In 2023, Kline was honoured with the ‘Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column’ award at the prestigious Wine Communicator Awards, highlighting his exceptional contributions to wine journalism.