57.3/34.9/7.9% pinot noir/chardonnay/meunier. Méthode traditionnelle; 2016 base vintage, first disgorgement, hence '1601'; aged 4 years on lees; 3.5g/L dosage; Cuvée No 1601, disgorged Aug '20. The house blend of the great House of Arras is a vital barometer for Tasmanian sparkling. Ever more honed, chiselled and sophisticated, its dosage drives lower than ever with each passing release, now resolutely extra brut. The deep, characterful, long-aged mood of Arras is pronounced here, brimming with vanilla cream, toast and roast almonds. Crunchy Tasmanian lemon, grapefruit and red apple brings tension to a long finish. The bite of bitter phenolics inherent to the Arras style is pronounced, leaving the finish grainy and firm.
90 points, Wine Companion (February 2021)
