The 2025 E.J. McDougall Margaret River Chardonnay is the inaugural Chardonnay release from E.J. McDougall, sourced from a single vineyard in the Wallcliffe subregion of Margaret River. Crafted with a modern, site-driven approach, the fruit was pressed directly to French oak barrels for fermentation on full solids, with 20% natural malolactic fermentation and maturation for 11 months in 50% new French oak. This meticulous winemaking delivers a refined and complex bouquet of white flowers, grapefruit, white peach and crushed nuts, layered with notes of brine, flint, grilled almond and subtle oak spice.
On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with remarkable precision, combining a creamy texture with vibrant acidity and mineral tension. Flavours of white nectarine, citrus, grilled peach and nougat are complemented by hints of cedar, struck flint and saline minerality, leading to a long, elegant and persistent finish. The restrained use of oak enhances the wine's depth without overshadowing the fruit, while the bright acidity and fine phenolic structure provide exceptional balance and ageing potential. This is a polished Margaret River Chardonnay that captures both richness and finesse.
Ben's Recommendation: At Wine More Cellars, this is an outstanding choice for lovers of premium Margaret River Chardonnay, offering superb balance, complexity and regional character. Pair it with grilled lobster, seared scallops, roast chicken, creamy mushroom pasta or aged Comté. Enjoy it now after a brief decant to reveal its layered aromatics, or cellar for 10–15 years, where it will develop additional savoury, nutty complexity while retaining its vibrant freshness.
