E. J. McDougall Chardonnay 2024

The fruit for this inaugural Chardonnay release comes from the cool and southern Wallcliffe subregion of Margaret River. It saw full solids with oxidative juice handling, around 30% malolactic fermentation, and  eleven months elevage in French barriques with the final blend resulting in 50% new. 13% ABV. Bottled January 16th, 2025. 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.