Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Arras — Blanc de Blancs 2013
Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺

Overview
A 100% Chardonnay traditional-method sparkling wine sourced broadly across Tasmania, aged extensively on lees for over five years prior to release, delivering depth, autolytic complexity, and finely tuned balance. Cool-climate fruit precision meets long cellar maturation for serious Champagne-caliber structure and finesse.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive notes of toasted brioche, lemon curd, baked apple, almond pastry, and subtle chalky minerality lead the nose. Layers of fresh citrus peel, pear skin, and gentle hazelnut evolve with air, framed by savory yeast complexity and restrained creaminess. The palate delivers precision rather than sweetness, with purity and tension driving the finish.

Mouthfeel
Creamy yet lifted, with fine, persistent mousse and beautifully integrated autolytic weight. The texture feels polished and expansive without heaviness, supported by vibrant acidity that keeps the wine energetic, linear, and refreshingly dry through the finish.

Food Pairings
Oysters and shellfish. Butter-poached lobster or scallops. Parmesan risotto. Roast chicken with herbs. Triple-cream cheeses or aged Comté.

Verdict
A compelling expression of New World traditional-method excellence, delivering maturity, balance, and serious structural integrity. Rich without excess, nostalgic in its yeast-driven complexity, and confidently positioned alongside high-quality grower Champagne.

Did You Know?
Tasmania’s cool maritime climate and long growing season allow Chardonnay to retain high natural acidity while achieving full phenolic ripeness, making the region one of Australia’s strongest candidates for world-class traditional-method sparkling wines.

🍷 Personal Pick
Blanc de Blancs is my home base, and this bottle absolutely delivers. The autolytic depth, precision, and balance hit exactly the profile I love, serious, expressive, and quietly luxurious. A sparkling wine that rewards attention, not just celebration. — 10 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Medium lemon color, aromas of stone and citrus fruits with floral, honey and mineral notes. On the palate flavors of apple, peach and pear with citrus and floral wrapped in a nutty spice. Medium+ finish, lively acidity, ending with fruit, spice and savory citrus character. 230 cases, good now! — 8 months ago

Peter Sultan

9.0

The northern Italian red version of a Golden Retriever-the 30% Barbera, I suspect, adds a sunny brightness to the more soulful, young Nebbiolo. Some Negrette too. Vibrant almost cadmium red color. Fresh rose petals offset by that lipstick red fruit. My house red in previous years. — 2 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Not the champagne I had in mind for tonight, but sometimes circumstances play their part.

This is pleasant enough. It will go well with my almond tart later.

The mouthfeel shows nice mousse, somewhat lively acidity, bruised golden & red apple to apple sauce, bruised pear, white citrus blend-grapefruit w/ pith leading, quince, touch of brown sugar, some yeastiness, baguette crust, graham cracker, volcanic minerals w/ clay, white spice, caramel notes, vanillin, sea spray, grippy, grainy chalk, sea fossils-oysters, limestone marl, withering lilies, spring flowers, nice acidity and a well balanced, good length, elegant finish that lasts nearly 90 second and lands on mid intensity minerals and spice.

Photos of; the champagne house of Veuve Clicqoit and the widow herself. You see her under the metal gage and plated over the cork.

#DSLounge — 3 hours ago

Vanessa

9.3

This wine is opulent & mouth-filling, with viscous tearing…

It wears a deep lemon robe & gives effortlessly expressive aromas & flavors of perfectly ripe peach, nectarine, papaya, grilled mango, honeydew, apple blossom, lemon curd, creme brûlée, bergamot, lemongrass, white tea, apricot confiture on buttered toast, cream, nougat, almondine, flint, struck match, & wet stones.

On the palate it’s dry & full-bodied with high alcohol (15.1 % ABV! 👀) and concentrated aromas & flavors & bright acidity to keep it in balance.

It’s positively delicious with a persistent finish & lingering presence. — 7 months ago

with Deked1

Peter James

9.0

BHM Wine Tasting @ Netflix — 3 years ago

Joe L.

9.2

Crushable, NV sparkling rose from Tasmania. Pinot noir-forward notes with clean finish and fresh red fruit bouquet. Drank to toast last day of job. — 5 months ago

Michael

8.9

Pairs well with their pretzel sticks. Very light with hints of white and young green grapes. — 5 months ago

Ted

9.0

Vintage rose sparkler from South Africa. Had this with a thick bone in pork chop. Lovely. — 8 months ago

with Jeni

Drew Brandt

8.9

First flight for the boys and the new Colorado house. Got everything out n and had a glass of wine. — 2 years ago