E. J. McDougall Earns Outstanding Reviews from Tom Kline

E. J. McDougall is proud to share outstanding reviews from respected Australian wine writer, educator and judge Tom Kline, whose assessments recognise the character, structure and provenance of three wines from the E. J. McDougall collection.

Kline awarded 95 points to the 2024 Margaret River Chardonnay and 96 points each to the 2023 McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz and 2023 McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache.

For wine collectors and connoisseurs, the reviews highlight a common thread across the wines: expressive Australian terroir balanced by texture, structure and finesse.

2024 Margaret River Chardonnay — 95 Points

The inaugural E. J. McDougall Chardonnay comes from the cool, southern Wallcliffe subregion of Margaret River.

Kline describes a finely detailed wine combining nougat, flint, grapefruit, nectarine and grilled nuts, with a creamy texture balanced by bright saline acidity and firm phenolics. The result is a Chardonnay built around both power and restraint.

Release: 10 August 2025
Score: 95 points

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

2023 McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz — 96 Points

Sourced from two small blocks planted in 1939 and 1942, the 2023 McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz reflects the depth and complexity associated with mature vines.

Kline highlights blackberry and black plum alongside peppercorn, dried herbs, earth, black tea and subtle savoury spice. Firm, fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity provide the wine with architectural structure beneath its rich, velvety texture.

Release: 25 April 2025
Score: 96 points

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

2023 McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache — 96 Points

From 1939-planted vines in Blewitt Springs, the 2023 Old Vine Grenache offers a distinctive expression of McLaren Vale.

Kline notes wild raspberry, strawberry, dark cherry and Asian spice, supported by mineral lift, earthy complexity and persistent acidity. Fine-grained tannins bring structure to the wine while maintaining its elegant, site-driven character.

Release: 19 June 2025
Score: 96 points

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

Tom Kline: A Respected Voice in Australian Wine

Tom Kline contributes to international wine publications including Decanter Magazine and Wine Spectator, and is the Australian contributor for Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy, with a focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

He is also a WSET educator, wine course author, and member of the Winepilot reviewing team. In 2023, Kline received the Best Published Feature Article or Wine Column award at the Wine Communicator Awards.

His recognition of these three E. J. McDougall wines adds an independent perspective on their growing reputation among collectors and fine-wine audiences.

Why These Reviews Matter

Together, the three reviews reinforce what defines E. J. McDougall Fine Wines of Australia: site expression, old-vine provenance, careful élevage and a balance between richness and restraint.

For collectors seeking Australian fine wine with a strong sense of place, the 95- and 96-point assessments from Tom Kline offer another independent reference point for the quality and character of the collection.

FAQs

What makes E. J. McDougall wines noteworthy to collectors?
E. J. McDougall’s 2024 Margaret River Chardonnay received 95 points, while its 2023 McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz and Grenache each received 96 points from Australian wine writer Tom Kline. His reviews highlight terroir, old-vine provenance, texture, structure, balance and fine-wine craftsmanship.

Who reviewed E. J. McDougall wines?
Australian wine writer, educator and judge Tom Kline reviewed the wines for Winepilot.

What scores did Tom Kline give E. J. McDougall wines?
The 2024 Margaret River Chardonnay received 95 points, while the 2023 Old Vine Shiraz and Grenache each received 96 points.

What makes the E. J. McDougall Old Vine wines distinctive?
The Shiraz comes from vines planted in 1939 and 1942, while the Grenache comes from vines planted in 1939 in Blewitt Springs, giving both wines a strong sense of vineyard provenance.

What style of Australian wine does E. J. McDougall produce?
E. J. McDougall focuses on fine Australian wines that emphasise provenance, terroir, mature vineyards, balance, and careful winemaking.