The House of Arras is a true expression of its origin and maker – a marriage of exceptional cold climate Tasmanian vineyards and uncompromising sparkling winemaking techniques mastered over decades. The Arras Grand Vintage is the fulfilment of a vision to craft world class sparkling wine. Enriched by the complexity of character that follows six years tirage, yet retains all the brilliant freshness and longevity that will continue to improve with age.

A cooler than average year with high rainfall at the start of the growing season. Conditions became favourable over flowering resulting in a solid crop set. The season remained cool and hence elegant flavours and structure persisted through to harvest with an excellent natural acidity evident in the base wines. This season’s wines exhibit finesse and longevity with great potential for release after extended maturation.

Not far off here. A phenomenal wine for balance, flow, elegance and power. It’s heady and vinous, rich in perfume, deep in flavour, courses and pulses with chalkiness, saline minerality, tropical and stone fruits, loads of woody-exotic spice, but all of that in one kaleidoscopic and integrated sluice of flavour. Incredibly harmonious, decadent and ripples with fine bubbles. Fresh to finish. Very. Bright. Ready for another big gulp. Stellar sparkling in any language. Alcohol: 12.5%; Price: $119; Drink: 2021-2040; Rated: 95 Points; Mike Bennie; The Wine Front