Irvine Grand Merlot 2006, Magnum

Irvine Wines estate is family owned and spans over 400 acres, founded with the historic first plantings of shiraz in 1867 by the Miles Family. Retrospectively it’s clear they had started something exceptional. Now onto their fourth generation, Peter Miles heads their extensively experienced team that was officially established in 1983. In present times, Irvine exists as one of the most substantial privately-owned premium grape growers in Barossa, as well as the Eden Valley.

Where Irvine is located is home to some of the oldest Riesling and Shiraz Vines globally, and has an esteemed reputation for producing remarkable expressions of the aforementioned varieties. The climate here is Mediterranean, with wet and cool winters juxtaposed with warm, dry summers, perfect conditions for grape growing due to reliable ripening balanced by acidity retention and sugar development. Rainfall tends to be low in the growing season, with irrigation used in the driest vintages. Temperatures vary from warm on the valley floor to progressively colder at the higher altitudes of the Eden Valley, and together with the hills and valleys within this region produce an abundance of meso-climates.

In the Barossa Valley specifically, the viticulture temperature average is marginally warmer than Bordeaux and characterised by soft rolling hills and complex valleys. Vine Vigour is controlled by the shallow soil that doesn’t easily retain water which makes for great concentration of flavour but drought is a persistent concern. Eden Valley is also considered Mediterranean but its elevated altitude results in cooler wetter conditions at least 2 degrees cooler than Barossa Valley. The soils over these two valleys are highly variable, ranging from deep black cracking clay to heavy siliceous sand. Generally speaking though, the soils in this region are considered low nutrient. Irvine’s six vineyards are world renowned. The Grand Merlot Block is planted on sandy loam over gravel to improve drainage and premium merlot is grown here. Their ideal positioning of east/west or north grants optimal sun exposure but most interestingly Irvine plants different clones of merlot to allow for more flexibility and experimentation across vintages.

Ben’s Block ‘Penrice’ was purchased in 1969 by Brian Miles, Peter’s father. The soil here is red clay with wines able to develop superior weight and depth. This vineyard hosts Shiraz vines over 120 years old, they add real complexity and a concentrated fruit bouquet. Brian’s Block ‘Angaston’ impressively has Shiraz vines of 150 years old, planted by the original founder Henry Winter Miles. Casey’s Block - Craneford was purchased by Ruth and Brian Miles in 1980. Riesling was planted later, producing the acclaimed Spring Hill Riesling and ‘Mesh’ Riesling that has been widely commended. In Ebenezer, Ruth’s Block has a very distinctive soil composition; shallow, well-drained with multiple layers. Over limestone sits yellow clay with red clay loam on the top. The result is fruit of immaculate richness and potency.

Last but not least, planted in 1993 is the Haslemere & Spring Gully Block; granite soil making the vines work very hard for water and nutrients. Elegant aromatics, a fine structure and finish are produced - a truly exceptional site. Irvine are a visionary team, who have excelled in putting Merlot front and centre amongst creating fabulous wines of several varieties. Their dedication to crafting exceptional wines is mirrored by their deep-rooted heritage in the Barossa region; their passion and dedication sets them up for a long and successful legacy.