Tasmania 12.5% Cork $36.90 Source: Retail
The price above is from a Dan Murphy’s sale. RRP is $55, not sure where it will end up sitting. The supermarket chains will probably be the ones to decide that. I’m just happy that Arras have released it. The Bay of Fires Tasmania Cuvées do nothing for me (dosage too high, wines too simple) and the Grand Arras Vintage, whilst fairly priced, is out of reach for many. I’ll leave the E.J. Carr LD out of the equation for now.
I’ve no idea how long this spent on lees, nor do I know the varietal make up of it but it seems Chardonnay dominant to me. Sea spray, lemons, sourdough, strawberries, assorted pastries, hazelnuts and marzipan. I enjoyed this more than the 03 Grand Arras at the current stage of their development, although I think both will improve over the short to mid-term. The Grand Arras is a touch more complex and has greater length.
The texture and feel of the Brut Elite is spot on, with no rough edges. A long, dry, mineral finish with a lingering note of caramel. I’m a fan. Along with the Brown Brothers Patricia sparkling wines, this could go a long way to reshaping the style in Australia. It’s certainly further evidence that the country’s sparkling wines are growing up.
Winery website- http://www.houseofarras.com.au/
Your writing is getting better and better. I like the punchier edge it's now getting. The interwaving of different sentence lengths is a plus.
One day you might even add scores.
MichaelC
I meant "interweaving". Whatever the case, keep it up!!
Will try this wine soon enough.
MichaelC
Sorry Michael but I'm 82 on scoring. My writing will just have to keep getting better…and I will be sure to use the word 'interweaving' in an upcoming review