E. J. McDougall’s McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache 2023 Wins Gold at Decanter World Wine Awards 2025

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – June 18, 2025 

E. J. McDougall’s McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache 2023 received a Gold Medal and 96 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025, one of the world’s most respected international wine competitions. The result recognises the wine’s exceptional expression of old-vine Grenache from the Grand Cru sites of Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale.

A Gold Medal for Australian Fine Wine

E. J. McDougall is proud to announce that its McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache 2023 has been awarded Gold and 96 points at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

With more than 17,000 wines evaluated by an international panel of wine experts, the DWWA is recognised as one of the world’s most influential wine competitions. For E. J. McDougall, this recognition is particularly meaningful because the wine is a direct expression of the distinctive terroir of Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale.

The award reinforces a central philosophy of E. J. McDougall: exceptional Australian fine wine begins with exceptional sites, old vines and a deep respect for provenance.

McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache 2023: The Character of Blewitt Springs

The 2023 Grenache opens with perfumed aromas of fresh red currants, garden herbs and crushed white peppercorns. On the palate, it combines intensity with remarkable lightness, balancing the generous ripeness associated with Grand Cru-style Grenache from the sandy soils of Blewitt Springs.

Sherbet-like acidity brings energy and definition to the wine, allowing its concentrated flavours to remain fresh and precise. Its structure also gives the wine considerable ageing potential, with the 2023 vintage expected to develop beautifully through to 2043.

For collectors, this is more than an award-winning bottle. It is a wine that speaks clearly of place, vintage and the enduring character of old-vine Australian Grenache.

A Recognition for Australian Winemaking

Eddie McDougall, Proprietor and Oenologist of E. J. McDougall, described the result as recognition not only for the winery but for Australian wine more broadly.

“The McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache 2023 is a true reflection of our dedication to quality and our passion for crafting wines that express the rich heritage of Australian fine wine.”

He also dedicated the achievement to the wider Australian winemaking community, recognising the challenging economic environment facing the industry and the importance of international recognition in keeping Australian wine visible on the global stage.

The E. J. McDougall Philosophy

E. J. McDougall was founded with a clear ambition: to create fine wines of Australia with a strong sense of provenance, individuality and longevity.

The collection is built through enduring relationships with vineyard owners and access to exceptional sites across Australia's premium wine regions. Rather than pursuing a uniform house style, E. J. McDougall seeks to allow each wine to communicate its origin.

This approach is particularly evident in the McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache 2023, where old vines, sandy soils and careful élevage combine to create a wine with both regional identity and international appeal.

Why This Matters to Wine Collectors

For collectors and connoisseurs, international recognition can provide an important independent reference point when assessing emerging Australian fine wine producers.

The 96-point Gold Medal result from Decanter adds another layer of provenance to the McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache 2023, alongside its old-vine heritage, Grand Cru site origins and long-term cellaring potential.

It is a compelling example of how Australian Grenache can move beyond familiarity and into the conversation surrounding serious, collectible fine wine.

About Edward McDougall

Edward (Eddie) McDougall is an oenologist, entrepreneur and global winemaker with two decades of experience across leading wine regions and producers, including Vietti, Mas de Daumas Gassac, Deep Woods Estate, Giant Steps, Silver Heights and Gladstone Vineyard.

He founded The Flying Winemaker in 2010 and launched the E. J. McDougall fine wine collection in 2024, bringing together his international winemaking experience with a focused vision for Australian fine wine.

FAQs

What award did E. J. McDougall’s McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache 2023 receive?

The 2023 McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache received a Gold Medal and 96 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2025.

Where does the McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache come from?

The wine comes from Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, an area known for distinctive sandy soils and old-vine Grenache.

Is the McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache suitable for ageing?

Yes. The 2023 vintage has the structure, acidity and concentration to support extended cellaring, with potential to develop through approximately 2043.

Why is Blewitt Springs important for Grenache?

Blewitt Springs is particularly well regarded for old-vine Grenache, with sandy soils and established vineyards capable of producing wines with both generosity and freshness.

What makes E. J. McDougall different?

E. J. McDougall focuses on provenance-driven Australian fine wine, working closely with vineyard owners and selecting fruit from exceptional sites to create wines with a strong sense of place and individuality.