James Irvine Grand Merlot 2009 (12x75cl)
A wine full of contradictions, given a luxury bottle, and a long cork that has emerged contorted, reflecting the interior of the neck of the bottle. The ominously high alcohol is in fact balanced to a large degree by good acidity and low pH seems to reflect some winery adjustment. All of this is framed by oak in the long-established Irvine style.
Focused, lively and savory, with a meaty note weaving through the peppery black fruit, finishing with a licorice accent. Has presence and a fleshy texture without excess weight.