2017 Arras Rose, Tasmania

73/27% pinot noir/chardonnay fermented in a combination of stainless steel and new French oak barriques (5.5%); dosage 3.1g/L, disgorged November '24. Energetic, with a superfine bead and mousse and aromas of red apple, red cherry and redcurrant with layers of soft spice, grilled nuts, sea spray, stone and distant wafts of rosewater and a suggestion of Turkish delight. Coal River pinot leads here with some Upper Derwent and Ouse fruit to, as Ed Carr says, 'pull the sides in and tighten it up'. There is a layered complexity to this wine that is just gorgeous, and a sapid, minerally driveline that seems to pull the wine across the palate. Finishes long and graceful with an impressive length of flavour. It's a stunner.

96+ points Dave Brookes winecompanion.com.au

Arras Rosé from Tasmania is a beautifully crafted, richly scented and elegantly structured sparkling rosé that highlights just how exceptional Tasmania’s cool climate is for méthode traditionnelle wines. Led by Ed Carr, Australia’s most celebrated sparkling winemaker, House of Arras sources fruit from select vineyards across the island’s coolest, most maritime influenced pockets. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grow on ancient sandstone, clay and basalt soils, shaped by bracing Southern Ocean winds and long, slow ripening seasons. These conditions deliver fruit with incredible natural acidity, purity and detail, the foundation for a rosé built on finesse rather than sweetness. Extended ageing on lees, often far beyond global expectations for non vintage wines, brings depth, savoury complexity and the fine creamy texture that defines the Arras style.

The aromatics are expressive and layered. Wild strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant mingle with cranberry, cherry skin and a gentle hint of pomegranate. Citrus notes of blood orange and pink grapefruit lift the bouquet, joined by rose petal, almond, brioche and subtle nutty tones from long lees ageing. A cool mineral thread, reminiscent of sea spray and crushed stone, sits beneath the fruit, adding clarity and tension. As the wine opens, deeper hints of rhubarb, pastry, spice and a faint floral note of hibiscus bring further refinement.

On the palate the wine is poised, vibrant and beautifully textured. Red berries and citrus glide across a fine, persistent bead, carried by lively acidity that gives the wine both drive and elegance. Flavours of strawberry, redcurrant, lemon zest, peach skin and subtle spice unfold in graceful layers, balanced by savoury autolytic depth from extended ageing. The structure is clean and focused with a gently creamy mid palate that remains light on its feet. The finish is long, dry and impeccably pure, lingering with berries, florals and a chalk edged mineral echo. With a few additional years of cellaring, it will gain toasty, honeyed and nutty complexity while holding its fresh spine.

Perfect with salmon gravlax, tuna tartare, prawn cocktails, roast duck, charcuterie, creamy mushroom dishes, soft cheeses, tempura, truffle fries or simply as a festive aperitif. It’s also a superb match for berry driven desserts when served well chilled.