Spring Hill Shiraz: A Symphony of Bold Flavors
Tasting Notes:
Spring Hill Shiraz is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the season. This wine is a vibrant ruby red with a purple hue and an aromatic profile that combines blackberry nougat, cherry and milk chocolate with twist of ginger and ground nutmeg. The palate is a symphony of bold flavours, featuring dark cherry and vanilla bean with structural layers of coffee, cardamom and mace that dances on your taste buds.
Pairing Suggestions:
For your Christmas lunch, consider pairing Spring Hill Shiraz with hearty dishes like roast lamb, prime rib, or even a flavourful beef stew. The character of the Shiraz complements the richness of these dishes, creating a harmonious and indulgent dining experience.
Spring Hill Merlot: A Velvet Touch of Elegance
Tasting Notes:
If you're seeking a wine that embodies elegance, look no further than Spring Hill Merlot. With its inviting ruby-red colour and a bouquet of black cherry, plum, and a subtle earthiness, this wine is a velvety delight for the senses. The smooth, well-rounded palate features soft tannins and a lingering finish.
Pairing Suggestions:
Pair Spring Hill Merlot with classic Christmas dishes like roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a vegetarian mushroom Wellington. The Merlot's approachable and versatile nature enhances the flavours of these dishes, creating a balanced and delightful combination.
Creating a Christmas Feast to Remember
Now that you've chosen your wines, it's time to craft a Christmas feast that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. Consider incorporating a variety of dishes to cater to different palates, from savory roasts to flavourful vegetarian options. Don't forget to include sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce for that quintessential holiday touch.
As you gather with loved ones around the table, let the conversation flow, the laughter fill the air, and the clinking of glasses resonate with joy. With Spring Hill Shiraz and Merlot as your chosen companions, your Christmas lunch is sure to be a memorable and merry occasion.
Elevate your Christmas celebration with the magic of our Spring Hill Shiraz and Merlot. These wines are not just beverages; they are an invitation to savour the season and create cherished moments with family and friends. From our vineyards to your table, we wish you a festive and flavourful Christmas!
Cheers to a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
]]>Grown in our original Eden Valley vineyard
What makes this vintage truly special? Well, it’s born from the very heart of our Eden Valley vineyard - the original Irvine Vineyard, that’s also home to our iconic Grand Merlot.
Our vineyard has a unique character that’s woven into each grape. The vines here are meticulously positioned East/West and North, ensuring they embrace the warmth of the late-season sun, especially when the days become fleeting. We do this to ensure that our wines achieve just the right ripeness before their harvest.
Now… let’s get onto our latest release!
Discover our Spring Hill Pinot Gris 2023
Its hue, a lively dance of yellow straw kissed with fresh green, beckons a closer look. The aromas? A spirited fusion of Nashi pear, lemon blossom, and honeysuckle. And each sip? It’s like a stroll through our vineyards, where pear and lemon zest burst forth, followed by gentle floral whispers and mineral undertones.
Every drop of Spring Hill Pinot Gris 2023 carries with it our passion, our tradition, and our unwavering commitment to excellence. This wine is not just a drink; it’s a celebration of Eden Valley’s splendour, the mastery of our vineyards, and the magic of spring.
So, whether you’re toasting to the new season, pairing it with a simple grilled fish in butter sauce, or enjoying it on a serene afternoon, let our Spring Hill Pinot Gris 2023 elevate your moments.
Ready to Embrace Spring with Us?
If your heart is fluttering with anticipation as ours is, click here to welcome the vivacious Spring Hill Pinot Gris 2023 into your collection.
Here’s to spring, new stories, and the age-old traditions of producing excellence at Irvine Wines.
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Our Old Vine Shiraz and our iconic Grand Merlot have been recently adorned with prestigious bronze awards at the esteemed Decanter World Wine Awards 2023! This remarkable acknowledgment pays homage to the elegance and excellence of old vine wines, a cherished legacy that lies close to the heart of Irvine Wines.
And today, we want to let you in on a little secret about our Old Vine Shiraz. Did you know that we crafted it from 120 year-old vines? Yep, you heard us right. And if you’re wondering what the term ‘old vines’ means, then you’ve come to the right place. Because we’re taking you on a captivating journey of exploring the enchanting world of old vine wines, their timeless allure, and the reasons they are esteemed by wine connoisseurs worldwide.
The Timeless Allure of Old Vines
Why age matters?
When we talk about old vine wines, we’re tapping into a rich history that goes back centuries, engraved into the very roots of each grapevine. These vines have stood strong through the years, like ancient guardians of tradition. As they grow older, their roots go deeper into the earth, drawing nourishment from the unique terroir. This connection enriches the grapes with minerals and nutrients, giving the wine a distinct and exceptional flavour.
Low-yielding
As these vines age, they naturally produce fewer grapes, focusing their energy on fewer clusters. This “low-yielding” phenomenon is a big reason why wines made from old vines are of such high quality. With fewer grapes to care for, the remaining ones ripen slowly and evenly, resulting in a more concentrated and intense flavour.
Adapting to changing climates
Another advantage of old vines is their ability to adapt to changing climates. They’ve experienced various weather patterns over the years, making them more resilient and better equipped to handle challenging growing conditions. This adaptability ensures consistent wine quality, regardless of external factors.
How do old vine wines taste?
Old vine wines are known for their complexity and depth of character that comes with age. The flavours they develop over time are multi-layered and profound, creating a delicate balance of fruitiness, acidity, and tannins that dance gracefully on the palate.
Winemakers such as ourselves also play a crucial role in bringing out the magic of old vine wines. We have to treat these grapes with great respect, allowing their natural qualities to shine through. Through skillful craftsmanship, we turn the journey of these vines into a symphony of flavours that tell a story of their own. From these vines, we craft wines that pay homage to the grace and elegance of their age. To get your hands on a bottle or two of our award-winning Old Vine Shiraz, grown from our 120-year-old Shiraz vines, click here.
]]>We are super excited to be a part of this amazing event. Come say hi, sample our wines and chat with our winemakers about our winemaking process. We also have a special offer waiting for you at the booth. If you buy a minimum of a dozen of our reds, whites, or mixed wines, we’ll throw in a complimentary bottle of our exquisite Grand Merlot!
Speaking of reds, did you know that we are pioneers of the Australian Grand Merlot? Our award-winning Grand Merlot is a full-bodied red with aromas of plum, cherry and spice and a smooth finish that goes well with a variety of dishes. If you are looking for some inspiration on how to pair it with food, we have a delicious beef bourguignon recipe for you.
This classic beef bourguignon recipe by Neil Perry is a hearty French stew perfect for the winter season. The rich sauce, tender meat and aromatic herbs complement the Grand Merlot beautifully. Serve it with some crusty bread or mashed potatoes and you have a cozy meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
1.4kg beef chuck, cut into 2cm dice
1 large brown onion, peeled and finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 bottle of good, rich red wine
180g lean salt pork, diced (you can use bacon)
50g (⅓ cup) plain flour
450g small button mushrooms, stems trimmed
Bouquet garni
3 parsley sprigs
2 thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
Method
Are you drooling yet? Then don’t forget to swing by our booth and get your complimentary bottle of Grand Merlot when you buy your favourite dozen to enjoy with your meal or share with your friends.
The GFWS Perth is just around the corner and we can’t wait to see you there. Book your tickets today and join us on an unforgettable journey through the world of wine, where every sip unlocks a world of flavours and every bite is filled with sheer indulgence.
]]>With this in mind, we are excited to announce our newest Spring Hill vintage releases - 2021 Spring Hill Pinot Gris, 2021 Spring Hill Riesling and 2021 Spring Hill Rosé.
We also have a new wine to complement our new release wines – 2020 Spring Hill Barossa Shiraz.
Lachlan Duncan our Winemaker reckons they offer terrific value.
This full-bodied Shiraz is produced from grapes sourced from two separate Barossa Valley vineyards. Sourcing fruit from both blocks allows us to produce a wine that showcases the best of both vineyards.
Most of these grapes come from our Ebenezer block, a vineyard that consistently delivers darker fruit flavours. The second site is our Haslemere Eden Valley block, responsible for lifting the blend with flavours of red fruit and spice.
To achieve this varietal’s signature colour of ruby red with a purple hue, grapes are destemmed and fermented in open top fermenters with eight to ten days on skins.
Fruit-driven and beautifully balanced, this Shiraz shows distinct flavours of dark cherry, vanilla and cocoa, while its ‘chewy’ tannin structure gives great length and persistence. This Shiraz makes for perfect drinking right now and it is only set to get better with age.
Our Riesling grapes are sourced from vines located at the highest point of our Spring Gully vineyard. With tough, rocky soil with shards of granite and iron stone littering the soil surface, these vines are hardy.
To preserve and maintain the fruit’s delicate structure, flavours and aromas, grapes are picked early in the morning, before being quickly destemmed and pressed. After racking and fermentation, the wine is left to mature on light lees to improve texture and mouthfeel.
This Eden Valley Riesling is dry, aromatic and super refreshing with a soft minerality that adds length to the persistent palate. Citrus fruits flavours including lemon and a touch of grapefruit remain at the forefront.
If you’re eager to enjoy this wine with food, we recommend you pair it with spicy dishes (if that's your thing) or it works beautifully with fresh seafood.
Like our Spring Hill Shiraz, our Pinot Gris is also made using grapes from two separate vineyards, both of which are in Eden Valley.
Well-drained, sandy loam soil in our original Irvine vineyard, produces delicate and aromatic fruit. Meanwhile, the soil is slightly rockier and lower lying on our Spring Gully block and as a result, these grapes add a greater depth of flavour and complexity.
To reduce phenolic content, grapes are picked cool and de-stemmed with oxidative handling controls in place. A small portion of the batch is also barrel fermented to add depth and texture to the final blend.
This easy drinking, medium-bodied Pinot Gris is light in acidity with a subtle textural finish. Fresh layers of pear, white peach, and lemon curd roll across the palate, while light mineral notes and pretty florals add to the length and complexity. This Spring Hill varietal was made for spring!
The Primitivo Zinfandel grapes that are used to make this varietal are grown in one of our original vineyards, situated on a beautifully terraced, east facing slope. This strong yielding variety requires careful management to produce delicate and aromatic fruit.
Grapes are picked just as the flavours start to mature, to maintain a fresh natural acidity and low alcohol. This varietal must be managed with care during pressing to achieve the desired colour and structure.
This delicate Rosé shows restraint and elegance as raspberry spritz and watermelon flavours interplay with a fine acidity. Watermelon and strawberry puree aromas dominate, while savory notes of sage and rosemary linger. Fresh, clean and light in finish, this wine is a perfect aperitif that you’ll find easy to drink all afternoon.
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, our Spring Hill wines are perfect for drinking at this time of year. Shop our collection now via our online shop.
For all those Merlot lovers like us, we believe one day to celebrate this wonderful wine just isn't enough! So... after the success of Merlot Madness Month last year we have decided to dedicate another November to celebrating this beautifully versatile variety.
Merlot naturally has a low tannin level which makes it (dangerously) easy to drink and earned this variety the popular nickname “Easy Red”. For many years Merlot has been a minor player in Australia with the variety not actually registered in official records of tonnes crushed in Australia until 1987. But, since then, Merlot has become not only one of Australia’s most popular red wines, but also the world’s! In fact, Merlot is the second most popular vine variety globally, after the good ol’ Cab-Sav.
Merlot grapes are grown all over the world, although we believe that the best Merlot is grown in our own backyard, right here in Eden Valley. Cool nights and longer ripening periods provide the perfect growing conditions for this noble variety.
When it comes to Merlots, our 2018 Eden Valley Estate Merlot is one of our favourites! On the nose, it shows fresh black fruit with undertones of violet and mocha – needless to say, this beautiful variety has a lot going for it. Layers of plum, blackberry and hints of chocolate make the palate stunningly complex, yet perfectly refined. And as a result, this gorgeous drop goes down beautifully with almost anything and everything (trust us we have tried our hardest to find a meal that it doesn’t match).
As far as we are concerned, our 2019 The Estate Merlot Cabernet Franc combines the best of both worlds – 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. On the nose, this stunning Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend gives off plum, hints of tobacco leaf and sweet briar. This drop has a beautiful rich black fruit taste, while the Cabernet Franc adds length and structure. It’s this perfect blend that makes it such a soft, yet layered wine!
To celebrate Merlot Madness Month we are hosting an exclusive live, virtual tasting of our 2018 The Estate Merlot and 2019 The Estate Merlot Cabernet Franc! So, free up your calendar at 7:00pm (ACST) / 7:30 (AEST) on Thursday, 12th of November, because this is an event that is not to be missed!
And to go hand-in-hand with this exclusive virtual tasting, we are offering an exclusive Merlot twin tasting pack for this month only. Order your pack today to receive it JUST IN TIME for our virtual tasting! This tasting pack includes: {https://irvinewines.com.au/products/eden-valley-merlot-twin-pack}
Order now to receive this 2-pack, for only $50 (save $10) + FREE SHIPPING!
DISCOUNT CODE: TWIN {https://irvinewines.com.au/products/eden-valley-merlot-twin-pack }
There certainly is a lot going on this month to celebrate one of our favourite varieties, so keep an eye on your inbox and stay up to date on our socials because you don’t want to miss a moment of Merlot Madness this month!
We look forward to your company at our live tasting!
]]>Speaking of beautiful things and perfect timing… we are very excited to announce that as we celebrate the onset of spring, that we also have not one, but TWO new releases of our favourite 2020 Spring Hill Wines! And as the name suggests, these wines are fresh, vibrant and positively made for Spring! So without further ado, we would like to introduce you to our 2020 Spring Hill Primitivo Rosé AND 2020 Spring Hill Pinot Gris!
2020 Spring Hill Primitivo Rosé
Our 2020 Spring Hill Primitivo Rosé is made with minimal handling, to allow the fruit's beauty to speak for itself! With lovely, fruity flavours of strawberry, watermelon and honeydew melon and aromas of muddled summer fruits, rose petals and orange zest, it’s the ultimate flavour combination. With a stunning vibrant pink colour, this elegant style Rosé is ideal for every occasion! It was our 2019 Spring Hill Rosé that did us proud at the 2019 Barossa Wine Show after being awarded a Bronze Medal, and we are confident that the 2020 will achieve similar accolades!
While this wine is a stand-alone sensation, it’s also the perfect accompaniment for a thai basil, lime & coconut prawn noodle salad! Plus, this dish is great for entertaining because it is so quick and easy to make and it looks as good as it tastes! We have no doubt that with this wine and food combo, your friends will be talking about your dinner party for months!
2020 Spring Hill Pinot Gris
Our 2020 Spring Hill Pinot Gris is fresh, vibrant and delicately layered! With delicious notes of honeysuckle, pear and a touch of fresh lemon, this wine is another perfect Spring-sipping wine! And while our opinion may be slighly biased, we all agree that our 2020 Pinot Gris tastes best when you’re sitting outside, watching the sunset over the valley, on a warm Spring evening! So, it’s safe to say, this Pinot Gris is undeniably one of our go-too wines over the warmer months… and we have no hesitation in saying that it will soon be one of yours too!
Just like our Rosé, a glass of our Pinot Gris tastes beautiful on its own… however, it also tastes great when paired with a crispy-skin, pan-seared salmon and a crunchy slaw (with macadamias)! As far as we are concerned, you can’t go wrong with this delicious dish because it is so easy to prepare and it pairs perfectly with our 2020 Pinot Gris!
So…to celebrate these new releases, for two weeks only we're offering 20% off STOREWIDE, plus FREE shipping! Simply apply the code EXCLUSIVEIRVINE20 at checkout to receive our special price, plus free shipping on your order! (Offer ends Friday 9th October 2020)
{https://irvinewines.com.au/collections/all}
Enjoy!
]]>Peter Miles is a fourth-generation Barossa viticulturalist, and learned everything he knows from his father, Brian Miles. Brian worked as vineyard manager at Saltram Estate under Peter Lehmann and then continued to work in the viticulture industry, learning his craft from a variety of local operations for the next 23 years. In 1988 Brian started his harvesting business, Karu Harvesting. and with Peter now at the helm Karu harvesting runs six harvesters and five semi-trailers working throughout Barossa during harvest time.
Peter and John Wade took over Irvine Wines in 2014. And in true Barossa style, both Peter and John’s fathers, Brian Miles and Bob Wade also worked together at the historic Tolley Scott & Tolley in Barossa. In 1993 Brian and Bob went into partnership and planted our Eden Valley vineyard which now produces magnificent grapes for our range of wines. To this day, Peter and John continue to work side by side as business partners in Irvine Wines, managing over 400 acres of premium Barossa and Eden Valley vineyards for Irvine Wines.
John Wade has had many years testing out different food and wine pairings and this Father’s day he’s decided on Osso Bucco lamb shanks: https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/lamb-shanks-osso-buco-style with our Estate Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon: https://irvinewines.com.au/collections/estate-selection/products/estate-barossa-cabernet?variant=32614823198774
Peter has spent years perfecting his viticulture techniques and gaining an understanding of the land like no other. And when it comes to food and wine pairings, he’s got just as many years of experience up his sleeve and can confidently say that, “there is nothing better than a glass of Irvine Wines 2018 Eden Valley Shiraz https://irvinewines.com.au/collections/estate-selection/products/estate-eden-valley-shiraz?variant=42477926473 with a slow cooked beef brisket https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/221043/sensational-slow-cooked-beef-brisket/ on my Traeger grill”. It is safe to say that we trust his judgement!
Four generations of Miles’ family viticulture expertise go into producing every bottle of wine that we sell, and as is in many family businesses, the next generation are beginning to get involved. Like a rite of passage, Ben Miles is learning from his dad and plans to follow in his footsteps, as well as his grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather.
Peter’s son, Ben grew up surrounded by vines (literally), which has ultimately shaped his love of the industry! Growing up, whether it be weekends or school holidays, Ben took every chance he had to get out and help his Dad and Grandpa in the vineyard. He has had brilliant mentors in his dad and grandad, and we can’t wait to see what he goes on to achieve!
We are incredibly grateful for the knowledge that our Irvine Wines’ forefathers have passed on from generation to generation, which has allowed us to create the beautiful wine that we produce today. So, this Sunday, we will be raising a glass of Irvine Wine to celebrate the wonderful dads in our lives and would also like to wish all dads out there a very Happy Father’s Day!
Back in July 2019 we sold out of our 2014 vintage, and our 2016 vintage is sure to impress our loyal merlot drinkers equally as much, if not more!
Grapes for 2016 Grand Merlot are sourced from our original and pristine vineyard in Eden Valley. Planted in 1983, our Grand Merlot vineyard has been nurtured to ensure the fruit grown and harvested is of the highest quality and structure. This site faces north-west to catch the warm sun late in the season when the days are short, making sure our Grand Merlot achieves perfect ripeness before we harvest the fruit.
We purposely use seven different clones of Merlot in this vineyard to give us the freedom to experiment and innovate with every new season, to ensure we consistently produce the highest quality merlot this region has seen!
Grandest of grand, we guarantee that the new release 2016 Grand Merlot vintage will deliver on expectation with its deep crimson colour paired with beautiful notes of plum, black cherry, spice and a touch of coffee oak on the nose. Complexity of flavour, texture and structure are experienced through each sip, tantalising your tastebuds and seeing you finish the bottle before you know it… Yes, we are speaking from experience here!
And if you’re after a flavour combination that is restaurant quality but from the comfort of your own home, than pair our 2016 Grand Merlot with this delicious grilled flat iron steak with blue cheese chive butter! Steaks and Merlot paired together are a no brainer and this recipe goes one step better with blue cheese, rosemary, garlic, and a hot grill. It doesn’t get much better than this.
We acknowledge the chaos and unrest across the globe at present and empathise will all those deeply affected. We continue to fight another day and do what we can to keep our businesses afloat and prospering during this difficult climate. We hope this new release of our 2016 Grand Merlot will put a smile on all our loyal Merlot drinkers face. Here’s cheers to a wine of pure elegance, longevity and structure, a wine worth celebrating!
Buy now: 2016 Grand Merlot
The riesling grape originated in the Rhine River region, which runs throughout parts of Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. This isn’t surprising considering the desirable growing conditions in cooler climates and slate soils like those found in Germany and France. We are fortunate to have similar growing conditions in the Eden Valley, cooler days in the growing season with mineral-rich soils makes Eden Valley one of Australia’s premier riesling producing regions.
Our Spring Hill Riesling gives off pale straw with green hue colouring with fresh lemon, white floral and kaffir lime on the nose. It’s light and bright charisma entices from the first impression, warming up those taste buds for that highly anticipated first sip!
And as our riesling hits your lips, your palate will come alive with the entrance of this tight and refreshing drop. Delicate and lightly weighted, it continues with a mineral finish – a truly versatile white wine that is also perfectly paired with a range of dishes.
And if you’re anything like us, enjoying a few glasses of this easy-sipping riesling on the weekend has become quite a regular pastime. If you’re sipping on our Spring Hill Riesling with a few friends around on a Saturday or Sunday and are starting to think of what to do for dinner, this chicken piccata recipe is your match made in heaven.
This recipe is relatively quick and easy, yet tasty and just a little bit fancy to impress your friends with your culinary skills as well as your superior choice in riesling!
This chicken piccata draws much of its flavour from the acidic lemon juice and briny capers used in the sauce. What’s even better is that our Spring Hill Riesling’s clean flavours and freshness won’t overwhelm the simple flavours from the chicken and the sauce. They work hand-in-hand to give you a light, tasty and impressive summer dish to end the day on.
Enjoy!
]]>If your answer was something along the lines of 'the producer of great Eden Valley reds', then you wouldn't be alone! We've established a name for ourselves as a leading producer of Merlot and a series of other full-bodied and widely loved wines from Eden Valley.
But did you know that we also create some amazing Barossa Valley wines?
And while we might be biased, we're not the only ones to think that either! It was our 2017 Barossa Valley Shiraz that just picked up its own gold medal at the Royal Adelaide Wine Show with a score of 18.5.
Deep rich crimson, with lovely ripe blackberries and a hint of vanilla on the nose, this Shiraz has generous length on the palate with soft tannins and a touch of lush black fruit and Christmas cake.
We've sourced our Shiraz grapes for this 2017 batch from the heart and soul of the Barossa, in our lovingly nurtured estate vineyard. Grown in the warm Barossa climate, with ancient rich soils and full fruit flavours, this wine is testament to our commitment to excellence and craftsmanship.
Not only did this wine win big at the 2019 Royal Adelaide Show, it's also been recognised with a silver and 91 point in the James Halliday 2020 Wine Companion stating that this Shiraz is, "full-bodied, luscious, layered black fruits, given all-important texture on the finish by savoury tannins ex fruit and oak."
Earlier this year we also received an impressive 95 points from Wine Orbit with reviews saying, "a magnificent offering; gracefully powerful". Visit our reviews page here.
With a number of accolades to its name, this 2017 Shiraz is a memorable Irvine Wine that shows off our style, while using Barossa Valley grapes to provide a slight twist on our signature Eden Valley wines.
At a special offer price of just $24 a bottle in a six pack, our 2017 Barossa Valley Shiraz is the epitome of value that we know you will love. Pick up a bottle online and raise a glass with us as we celebrate this great wine!
For many, the Halliday Wine Companion is the industry bible. James Halliday and his team of taste testers do the hard yards, tasting thousands of different wines to create the ultimate guide that recognises some of Australia’s best wines, and ensures you'll never drink a bad bottle of wine again. With more than 120,000 tasting notes from over 2,000 wineries, Halliday Wine Companion provides Australia's most comprehensive tasting note library, and were pleased to announce that we’ve made quite the appearance in the 2020 edition of the Guide.
With 11 wines included in the 2020 Halliday Wine Companion Guide, it’s fair to say that we’re thrilled! We’ve spent years mastering the balance between traditional and modern methods to create our own unique style and truly value the appraisals we’ve received for our wines.
And even better, for the first time ever, we’ve been recognised as a five-star winery! This five-star mark given to us by James Halliday lists us as “An outstanding winery capable of producing wines of very high quality and did so this year.”
We set up shop in 1867, with the first generation of Miles’ settling into the Barossa way of life and planting our first shiraz vines that are today, among the world's oldest. It was Jim Irvine in 1980 that became the regional merlot champion and over a decade later the flagship Grand Merlot achieved the highest accolade, being named World’s Best Merlot.
We’re proud to be in our fifth generation of the Miles family managing Irvine Wines and are so delighted with the list of wines we have been recognised for by James Halliday in the 2020 Wine Companion Guide, as seen below.
2016 Icon Zinfandel – Gold, 95 Points
Review: 30yo vines, cool-fermented, matured in second-use French barrels. Works very well, there is abundant cherry/berry fruit, fine tannins and balanced oak. Just when you think that's it, the juicy aftertaste adds yet another dimension.
2014 Grand Merlot – Gold, 95 Points
Review: 30+yo estate vines. Irvine and merlot are names that have been, are now, and will surely remain, linked in love and war. But you have to be careful: this winery is no longer owned by Jim Irvine. This baroque version is similar to that created by Jim way back, and - within its design specifics - is very well made.
2018 Spring Hill Riesling – Silver, 93 Points
Review: Just pure lime and lemon juice flavours given shape and length by soft acidity, customised for its role with the fruit. No winemaking tricks other than low juice extraction through the press.
2017 Estate Eden Valley Merlot – Silver, 93 Points
Review: A mix of the old Aus clone D3V14, generally regarded as poor, and new clones Q45 and 8R that are seen as the likely saviours of merlot with their vastly improved qualities. Open-fermented at moderate temperatures and matured in French oak (15% new) for 12 months. It has gentle cassis and plum fruit, with soft tannins refreshed by the modest alcohol of the vintage.
2017 Estate Eden Valley Shiraz – Sliver, 93 Points
Review: As ever, the Irvine bottles and labels stand taller than all others in the tasting line-up. Estate-grown from a single block of clone 1654, earlier picked than hitherto, cool-fermented, matured for 9 months in French oak (20% new). An unqualified success, the cool vintage also part of the style, and the question whether the style will prosper or not in warmer vintages. As it is, bright, intense flavours drive the long palate.
2017 Primitivo Noir – Silver, 92 Points
Review: A decidedly curious name for a primitivo that is more rose than table wine with its bright, light, clear crimson-purple. The flavours are all red: strawberry, raspberry and red cherry, tannins banished to the sidelines. Drink asap.
2017 Estate Barossa Valley Shiraz – Silver, 91 Points
Review: 25yo vines, open-fermented, 12 months in French oak (20% new). Full-bodied, luscious, layered black fruits, given all-important texture on the finish by savoury tannins ex fruit and oak.
2017 The Earl Cabernet Franc – Bronze, 90 Points
2017 Spring Hill Merlot – Bronze, 89 Points
2017 The Baroness – Bronze, 87 Points
2018 Spring Hill Pinot Gris – Bronze, 87 Points
Luckily with all of our fruit coming off Estate vineyards, this didn’t prove problematic.
Beck’s overall view of the vintage is good. The whites and rosé wines are looking fresh and delicate given the ability to pick them early in the season before the heat hit. The reds are looking intense, but still with the elegance that is expected from the Irvine style now.
Stay tuned for regular updates on how the 2019 wines progress.
]]>Traditionally known for its Merlot, Irvine Wines in the Barossa is quickly developing a reputation for pushing boundaries with its modern twist on generational grapegrowing.
The Baroness, a Petillant Naturel sparkling wine, and The Earl, an unfiltered and unfined Cabernet Franc, will be released this week. They join the Primitivo Noir – a red wine made in a delicate, berry-driven style that is the first of its kind in Australia – in Irvine’s Pushing Boundaries range.
Winemaker Rebekah Richardson said the two additions to Pushing Boundaries met the needs of wine drinkers who are becoming increasingly confident and adventurous.
“We now have a generation of Australians who have been blessed with high quality wine for as long as they can remember,” Beck said.
“Because they are confident in their knowledge and understanding of wine, this group of people are excited about innovation and interested in trying new styles, tastes and varieties.
The Earl is a playful, plush wine that is bursting with red plum and violets on the nose and black cherry and soft tannins on the palate.
Slight cheeky, delightfully approachable and a perfect accompaniment to good times, The Earl Cabernet Franc joins our innovative and fun Pushing Boundaries range alongside The Baroness Pet Nat sparkling and our Primivito Noir.
By keeping it unfined and unfiltered, and gently guiding the winemaking process with minimal intervention, our winemaker Rebekah Richardson has allowed the true flavours of the Cabernet Franc fruit to shine.
Known for producing an aromatic, soft red, Cabernet Franc is more subtle than its well-known progeny, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Fruit is sourced from the Eden Valley before being aged in older French oak to let the varietal flavours shine through.
Enjoy while taking in the brooding and thoughtful tunes of Sturgill Simpson’s Breakers Roar.
]]>Here at Irvine we are fortunate to work with exceptional fruit grown by fifth generation Barossans. As well as celebrating the varietals we have grown up knowing and enjoying – Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay – we also like to turn winemaking on its head every now and again, push the boundaries and try something new and different.
For our winemaker, Rebekah, this experimentation is an integral part of her role. Take our latest addition to the Pushing Boundaries range - The Baroness. Irvine is one of only two wineries in Australia to grow Petit Meslier – a classic Champagne grape. In The Baroness, Rebekah has paired it with Chardonnay (58% Petit Meslier to 42% Chardonnay) to create a sparkling in the style known as Pétillant Naturel (you’ll hear us refer to it as Pet Nat).
One of the traits of Pet Nat wines is the complexity that comes from extended time on yeast lees, and what results is a bone dry, zesty sparkling wine that looks slightly cloudy in the glass but is delicately refined on the palate.
The Baroness is a surprising and delightful alternative to traditional sparkling or prosecco and is also the perfect ingredient for a spring-inspired layered gin cocktail. Think ice, soda, fresh lemon juice and riberry syrup - https://www.inkgin.com/cocktails/ - seriously refreshing!
Order yours now in time for spring and summer celebrations, picnics and get togethers.
There is a saying in the wine community that ‘great wines are made in the vineyard’. This does not mean winemakers are fermenting wines on the side of vineyard hills and filling barrels between the roses and start of the rows! What it does mean is that great wine really starts in the vineyard with grapes carefully suited to the place they are planted, how they are nurtured, pruned, thinned and of course harvested. The French call it ‘Terroir’ – the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced.
We like to think some great wines are a mix of the vineyard and also the imagination and bravery of the winemaker and viticulturalist! Whilst harnessing all the incredible characters of fruit delivered from the vineyard it is often difficult to raise your head above the crowd and make something truly different. Kudos then to Peter Miles, viticulturist and Rebekah Richardson, winemaker who have done just that with the creation and release of the 2017 Primitivo Noir.
What is it you ask? Is it red, is it white, is it pink or is it bubbly? Sounds a bit Italian maybe with a bit of ‘Pinot’ thrown in. Where did it come from?
It was conceived at the end of a hot, sweaty Barossa summer’s day, when Beck and Peter had a hankering for a refreshing, reviving glass of vino...but a red, not a white. Beck’s eyes fell on the Irvine Primitivo grapes that were gloriously lush and flavourful after a near perfect slow ripening season. Having worked with Zinfandel (basically the same grape) in the Sonoma Valley in California, and loving Italian Primitivo, she knew she could use this exceptional grape to create something quirky, full of character and eminently drinkable in the sunshine: a versatile, refreshing and very, very approachable red.
It's not an Italian Primitivo and its not a Californian Zinfandel: it’s firmly rooted in our Australian relaxed lifestyle, our independence and our love of individuality. It’s a red to enjoy chilled – pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes prior to opening. Then celebrate life’s unexpected joys: at a sunset crayfish BBQ, doing bombies with kids in the pool or after a morning surf.
Beck has made the wine using some classic techniques for Pinot Noir. It was picked in the cool of night and had a long, cool fermentation with a combination of whole and crushed fruit. So, very ‘Pinot Noir’. Less skin contact during the fermentation process kept it light and fresh with delicious, soft tannins. A small amount of wine was further matured in old French oak barrels to give a little texture. What has resulted is a wine that is a much more delicate, aromatic lighter style of Primitivo, which has a plush finish and silky tannins. So, very ‘Primitivo Noir’.
Rebekah says: "It might well be unexpected: but the joy of being a winemaker is the ability to be brave, to take an unusual direction. There is no need nowadays to be making all the same traditional wines. We have amazing consumers who love to seek out new and exciting approaches to wine. With Primitivo Noir my hope is that it will enthuse people to not only enjoy our curious wines but open up their minds to the whole movement of Aussie winemakers: doing it just that little bit differently.
So, go on and be brave!"
Buy now: Primitivo Noir
Food and wine matching – if you want to move beyond the ‘red wine for red meat, white wines for seafood/chicken’ and get more experimental, then these are exactly the wines for the job. These are wines for foods where the quality of produce - fresh and seasonal - just sings.
A great place to start is the flavourful middle-eastern cuisine where vegetables are at the forefront – the master of which is Yottam Ottolenghi - try this Beef, Beetroot and Habanero Stew which is a glorious symphony of flavours to match a complex wine such as the Barossa Valley Shiraz. Or try sprinkling the fragrant middle-eastern spice mix 'Ras el Hanout' over oven roasted veggies and lamb chops ...or chicken. This versatile mix is quite addictive and well worth seeking out (herbies.com.au has two wonderful blends - and home delivery!).
The more delicate Eden Valley Shiraz would work well with restrained Vietnamese, Middle Eastern or Indian dishes with just a touch of spice such as Sabrina Ghayour's Souk Spiced Leg of Lamb with Pomegranate Salsa. Or for something beautiful and unusual for a summer lunch, try Edd Kimber's Blackberry and Goat Cheese Quiche.
The Eden Valley Chardonnay has the balance to take on something like Kylie Kwong's Snapper Sashimi with Chilli-lime Dressing. Or alternatively, the creaminess would work with a simple smoked trout pate (make your own or buy the best you can get hold of – we won’t judge you!). Or a lovely Meredith Goat's Cheese would be a great match too - we particularly love their Warm Potato Salad with Huon Cold Smoked Salmon and Meredith Dairy Dill Chèvre for a simple but flavoursome supper with friends.
The complex flavours of Pinot Gris make it not just a great aperitif wine, but also a very food friendly dry white wine that can go toe to toe with even quite rich fish dishes, pork, chicken and vegetarian/cheese dishes. The hint of honey also works really well with Asian food such as Thai Fish Cakes or Thai Green Curry.
Check out Peter Gordon's Nam Phrik Num dressing that goes really well with grilled or pan fried salmon.
The lovely pear flavours in our 2017 Spring Hill Pinot Gris will really complement a simple pork dish served with a spring pear and green salad. Toss together rocket and watercress, thinly slice a pear and toss into lemon juice. Add shaved parmesan and walnuts. Dress with EVOO and more lemon juice if needed, try also thinly sliced fennel or Nashi Pear. Finish with salt and lots of fresh pepper.
]]>The delicate tannins in the Estate Series Merlot will not overpower the lighter meats. Bring out the herbal elements with a classic garlic/rosemary combination and consider roasted vegetables with a touch of sweetness such as beetroot, parsnip, carrot and red peppers.
Need proof that Merlot is truly versatile? We matched our 2015 Estate Merlot with Hiramasa kingfish sashimi, roasted nori salsa, wasabi and fried peas. The heat and savoury of the wasabi went beautifully with the lush black cherry fruit of the wine, while the soft tannins melded with the delicate nature of the kingfish.