2006 Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged 30th Anniversary, Tasmania

Winery of the Year 2027 Halliday Wine Companion

The 2006 30th Anniversary EJ Carr Late Disgorged is more rambunctious and powerful than the Museum Release of the same vintage tasted alongside. The wine is texturally chalky and typically fine in shape and weight, yet the fruit has real drive and intensity. The wine, despite its power, has focus, and the length is both persistent and lingering through the finish. A sensational wine here, it has a creamy mousse and chalky structure. Led by 67% Chardonnay (mostly from Derwent Valley, with a small amount from the East Coast), the balance is Pinot Noir (Derwent Valley). The wine saw no oak at any stage. It spent 16 years on the lees and was disgorged in September 2024 for the 30th anniversary of Arras in 2025. 2006 was warm and sunny, and the wine reveals itself to be precise and long. 1,556 bottles only. Dosage is 1.7 grams per liter, and the wine has a pH of 3.13, 6.8 grams per liter of acidity and 12.5% alcohol. It was sealed under cork. Drink to 2036.

98 points Erin Larkin for The Wine Advocate, March 2026

2027 Sparkling Wine of the Year. A world-class Australian sparkling wine with a mind-boggling 16 years and 10 months on lees. A blend of 66/34% chardonnay/pinot noir, dosage 1.7 g/L, disgorged September '24. Arras means ‘rich tapestry’ and this wine perfectly encapsulates that concept. Light straw with a superfine, energetic bead and mousse. Layers of complex aromas and flavours on display – lemon curd, grilled peach, green apple, slippery jacks, fig, crushed stone, ozone, crushed oyster shells, almond paste, shortbread, meadow flowers, soft spice, fresh brioche, white truffle and grilled nuts. The flavours unfurl with precision on the palate, constantly changing and dancing with each other in a perfectly choreographed dance. It's a stunning wine, with a graceful, fine travel across the palate and a finish that seems to stretch out infinitely. Drink to 2038.

98 points Dave Brookes for Halliday Wine Companion, October 2025

The 2006 E.J. Carr Late Disgorged has always been bold and nothing has changed in the last 20 years. It opens with powerful musky peach and apricot aromas lifted by honeyed, wellbuttered toast. A luscious, creamy texture follows, punctuated by fresh acidity and beautifully balanced, building to a long, savoury and nutty finish. A classic wine at the peak of its powers. Drink to 2035.

95 points Angus Hughson for Vinous, July 2026

Released to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Arras, just 1,566 bottles available. The blend is 66% Chardonnay and 34% Pinot Noir. Dosage is just 1.7 grams per litre and the wine spent sixteen years on lees, something that would be extraordinary in Champagne, let alone Tasmania. This is tight, concentrated and exquisitely balanced. We have notes of hazelnuts, citrus, freshly baked bread, jasmine, a flick of red fruits and the merest touches of a truffly note. A delightfully creamy texture, there is good complexity here and seriously impressive length. Still fresh, this should drink beautifully, well into the next decade. A wonderful achievement and a worthy wine with which to celebrate this impressive anniversary.

95 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot, November 2025