Arras Grand Vintage 2017 6 Pack

96 POINTS

Dave Brookes - Halliday Wine Companion

69/31% chardonnay/pinot noir fermented in a combination of stainless steel and new tightly grained French oak barriques (6%), disgorged November '24. Finely bubbled, with an expressive swell of grapefruit, lemon, apple and poached pear fruits with underlying nuances of fresh brioche, apple butter, crushed stone, ocean breeze, nougat and crème brûlée. The toasty tones grow on the palate, along with grilled nuts and soft spice. A tight, umami-rich acidity brings everything into line and provides a harmonious cadence as the wine sails forward. Finishes long and true with just a light phenolic texture and ample complexity.

95 POINTS

Erin Larkin - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2017 Methode Traditionelle Grand Vintage leads with 69% Chardonnay (mainly from Derwent Valley, bolstered by some from the East Coast and some from Coal River, but they are seeking robust richness from the fruit for this wine), and 31% Pinot Noir (which comes from inland sites mainly, in the Derwent Valley. In this case, they are searching for leanness, structure and tension from the fruit, rather than red-fruited plushness). In this wine, the Chardonnay is the only variety that experienced any time in oak; in fact, just 6% was fermented in first-use French oak. This is far richer and more intense than the 2017 Blanc de Blancs Vintage tasted alongside; this speaks of power and density, which is likely driven by the sourcing of the Chardonnay, rather than the inclusion of Pinot Noir. This wine spent six years and 10 months on its lees and was disgorged in late 2024 with 2.8 grams per liter of dosage. Aromas of pressed incense appear on the nose, with white berries and crushed shell. There's width and power through the finish, with layers of chalky phenolics that provide tension and shape. The numbers indicate that this has a slightly higher pH and slightly lower acidity than the 2017 Blanc de Blancs, and this relates clearly to the mouthfeel and impact of the wine—this being richer and more stately than the former. 13% alcohol, sealed under cork.

95 POINTS

DWWA 2026 - Decanter World Wine Awards

Beaming with white apple, peach and fresh grass aromas that coalesce with the fine biscuity core. Crunchy acidity drives through the palate, finishing long and crisp. Award: Gold - DWWA 2026

95 POINTS

Cassandra Charlick - Decanter

Made from fruit sourced in Derwent Valley, East Coast, Coal River Valley, Pipers River and Tamar Valley, with extended lees ageing and subtle oak handling. A lifted perfume to the nose hinting at sea spray, preserved lemon, nori dust; it's all about freshness with an underlying richness. Subtle nougat, blanched almond, redgum honey, lemon blossom. Such intensity of fruit flavour, but elegant and very fine-boned. The acid just trickles along; long, structural, fresh and zippy. A real lemon skin, crushed white shell minerality. Poised and seamless like a fine silk shift.

93 POINTS

Christina Pickard - Wine Enthusiast

Apple and lemon zest notes—with something more mineral in the mix—are padded with creamier, toastier autolytic complexity. Bone dry, with prickly fizz and ultra crisp acidity, this is a distinctly cool climate stye (from a cool vintage, to boot) that's still quite young, powerful, and tightly wound.

93 POINTS

Angus Hughson - Vinous

The 2017 Grand Vintage is bold, robust and well settled in its drinking window. Showing both fresh, vibrant fruit and some development, it offers delightful citrus and peachy tones backed by subtle oak, with some more aged toffee and toasty elements starting to build. Full flavoured and creamy-textured with al dente acidity, this is lovely right now and finishes with a generous, open-knit close.

92 POINTS

Mike Bennie - The Wine Front

The vintage is Grand! An often anticipated release. This is a good drink, it’s got richness, some coursing minerality, a line of frisky citrus and green apple crunch, but also feels a little soft, not quite tired, but that the opulence here is perhaps overtaking refreshment factor. Golden coloured in the glass, flavours reflect a kind of honey-on-cereal savouriness/sweetness and there’s some sourdough elements playing well in there too. Overall, a vinous expression, but the get-up-and-go is a little less than expected, so too zing and revitalisation. That being said, complexity and depth in spades.

2025 - Decanter World Wine Awards

Citrusy aromas with nuances of pears and white flowers. Mineral and zesty on the palate. Award: Bronze - DWWA 2025