James Irvine 2004 Grand Merlot Eden Valley South Australia

This bottle was opened for dinner with family and although it was not decanted and allowed to sit for the recommended 3 hours, after just 1 hour it was eagerly consumed by some self declared red drinkers.

It did not disappoint.  The deep dark plum colour and good nose gave way to a fine array of tastes on the palette, which were strong but enjoyable with some soft tannin finish. It may have seemed too heavy a wine to accompany a main course of crusted salmon fillets but it actually worked very well.

This felt like a fine merlot and we thoroughly enjoyed it.