2008 Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged, Tasmania

The much awaited 2008 E.J. Carr Late Disgorged is a blend of 64.4/35.6% chardonnay/pinot noir sourced from premium vineyards across Tasmania. Aged on lees in tirage for 13 years with a 2.2 g/L dosage. Disgorged December 2022. Mid-straw in the glass with an ultra-fine bead and aromas of green apple, juicy nectarine and white peach with hints of crushed oyster shell, white flowers, grapefruit pith, sea spray, shiitake broth and straight out of the oven brioche. Coils then expands on the palate, all tension and release as the minerally acidity propels the wine across the tongue. Pristine flavours of stone fruits, soft spice, clotted cream and biscuity/toasty tones abound, finishing bright and intensely focused with real intent of flavour and line. A benchmark Australian sparkling wine.

98 points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au Feb 2024

Light to mid yellow, amazingly light for its 15 years of age, and the bouquet is curious, quite un-Champagne-like, with richer fruit aromas, some nuttiness and dried wildflower nuances, a little canned corn, plus a slight high-note of reduction that breathed off fairly quickly. Straw/dried-herbs too. The wine is ample in the mouth, bright and crisp and very dry, with a winning combination of rich ripe fruit flavour with structural tightness and refreshing dryness. Supurbly refined texture. Very long carry with appetising grip and savoury dryness, and an overall feel of tremendous finesse. 08 SEP 2023 Drink 2023–2028

97 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com

#1 of 26 2008 Sparkling Whites from Tasmania

A mature and complex style expressing all the attributes of the noble sparkling grape varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot noir grown in pristine cold climate vineyards throughout Tasmania and meticulous winemaking. This wine was aged on lees in tirage for 14 years developing an intensity of secondary characters recognised in the world's finest cuvees.

This label was first released with the 1998 vintage and the 2007 is now the 10th consecutive Late disgorged vintage to go to market. The style is aged for a remarkable minimum of 10 years on lees and remains a benchmark of the mature release Tasmanian sparkling wine style. An inviting palate with a rich melange of flavours including nougat, desiccated lemon, honeycomb, alluring spices and sauteed field mushroom. An exquisite structure built around a low dosage that allows all the characters to be fully exposed and enjoyed. The rich development is beautifully balanced with the structural elegance and natural acid line.