PLAYFORD Ros, the Thirsk-based wine merchant, has been appointed as the sole UK agent for the Australian, Eden Valley-based Irvine Wines, one of the finest producers of the Merlot grape in the world.

This is a major coup for Playford Ros, which has recently launched Prestige Agencies, which sources wines from smaller, high-quality producers.

These wines will be offered to other distributors, as well as to key retailers and small hotel and restaurant chains across the country. The Irvine wines will be available from November 1.

The previous agents for Irvine were John Armit Wines of London, one of the larger wine agencies in the country.

Andrew Firth, the managing director of Playford Ros, said: "This is a huge boost for us - and a triumph for a David over a Goliath. Irvine Wines has a tremendous reputation and is renowned for producing the finest Merlot in the world. To represent Irvine in England is a tremendous honour."

Updated: 11:13 Friday, September 09, 2005