‘We’re going to miss him’: Barossa Valley winemaker and Merlot King Jim Irvine dead at 92

A Barossa Valley winemaker, credited with putting “merlot on the map”, has died aged 92.

Barossa Valley winemaker Jim Irvine in his 90th year. Picture: Dragan Radocaj

The wine industry is mourning the loss of Barossa Valley winemaker and ‘Merlot King’ Jim Irvine, aged 92.

Mr Irvine has been remembered for his celebrated career spanning 65 years and for his world-renowned merlot.

Wine fraternity, The Barons of the Barossa, acknowledged his contribution to the industry as a winemaker, consultant and a mentor.

“Jim was one of those people that always had time for young winemakers, he never big noted himself,” Grand Master Baron Louisa Rose said.

Winemaker Jim Irvine and his daughter Joanne Irvine at his winery in Nuriootpa, in 2014. Picture: Kelly Barnes

“He was gracious with his time, teaching others and sharing his wine.

“He was 92 when he passed on Sunday, but he still had a super sharp mind.

“He was special and we’re going to miss him.”

Mr Irvine established Irvine Wines in the 1980s and became known for his Eden Valley merlot – crowned the world’s best merlot three times.

“He planted merlot when no one else was working with it in the Barossa or hardly anywhere else in Australia,” Ms Rose said.

“He made beautifully rich wines, which were amazing as young wines and had ageing abilities as well.

“His merlot was rated the greatest in the world three years in a row – he really did put merlot on the map.”

Mr Irvine became a Baron of the Barossa in the late 90s’ recognising his outstanding contribution to the region.

His career spanned from laboratory assistant to managing director, including time at Thomas Hardy, Krondorf, Dalgety Wine Estates and Saltram.

By “pure coincidence” a bottle of his 1995 Irvine Grand Merlot was one of 50 wines opened at the Barossa Cellar, during the Barossa Vintage festival last month.

“It was delicious, because it had aged characters and lovely fruit. It really was a delight,” Ms Rose said. “We couldn’t believe how youthful it looked.”

Mr Irvine sold Irvine Wines in 2014 and retired.

Originally published as ‘We’re going to miss him’: Barossa Valley winemaker and Merlot King Jim Irvine dead at 92