After more than twenty years of research and development amongst the vines at Springhill in Valley Eden, conducted in concert with adjustments and fine tuning to the vinification techniques, Irvine have achieved a distinctive style, one of the finest examples of pure Merlot wines in the world. In May 1997 Irvine was judged World's Best in Switzerland against legends Chateau Petrus, Italy's Antinori and America's Mondavi. In 2006 Irvine Grand Merlot was named Best New World Red Wine at the prestigious Mundus Vini competition in Germany.

From grapes grown to shallow podzolic loam over gravel on the very well drained estate Springhill property. The trellised vines are based on the two wire vertical system, some of the fruit is machine harvested and some is hand picked. Late in the season when the days are very short, baumes reach 15°. The picking takes place around midday to avoid any possibility of dew pick-up and to ensure the crushed grapes are warm to start ferments quickly. The vinification process is closely monitored, adhering to the exacting personal standards of Mr Irvine. Bottled after two years in French Allier oak, it takes a very different approach to create a wine that's ready to drink in six years of age rather than two or three.