2013 Irvine Grand Merlot

Two words come to mind when you mention great Australian Merlot. Jim Irivne. Jim's Grand Merlot is the benchmark of complex and elegant Merlot in Australia and his Eden Valley vineyards are the perfect place to produce this iconic wine.

James Irvine is the Australian winemaker most strongly associated with Merlot, and his Grand Merlot, first made in 1984, is widely considered the country’s leading example. Over the years it has won a number of awards in Europe, often in competition with the best of St-Emilion and Pomerol. Winemaker Joanne Irvine focuses on getting Eden Valley fruit fully ripe while keeping yields low.

The wine is matured for 12-24 months in French (Allier) oak, valued for its spiciness. Typically, plum and cherry aromas lead into a deep, complex, red-fruited palate (especially raspberry), with leather and tobacco notes, firm but fine, velvety tannins and spicy savouriness. The wine generally benefits from decanting up to four hours before serving.