House of Arras Vintage Rose 2017

A combination of 73% Pinot Noir and 27% Chardonnay, displaying a mesmerizing rose-gold colour. If it’s true that we buy first with our eyes, then shut up and take my money. We’re again in low-dosage territory, with only 3.1 g/L. And the fruit shines. A vibrant, lifted, mildly aromatic yet composed nose, so gently perfumed yet so incisive, unfurls notes of distilled redcurrant, cherry, fresh rose, and lavender. Utterly gentle on the palate yet ticking all the boxes: an uber fine perlage caresses the mouth with its velvety touch, as if wearing a silk glove. The finish is tense and precise, with a satisfyingly chalky bite. 98 points – Lisa Cardelli, Wine Pilot

Very pale salmon colour, a very delicately coloured rosé. Discreet, subtle bouquet framing smoky, toasty and nutty aromas, with background traces of pastry and a hint of dried strawberry. The wine is bright and energetic in the mouth, delicate yet intense, with piercing flavour that is layered and complex, dry and refreshing at the finish and entertaining to the last drop. The finish is extremely long with beautifully judged phenolics adding structure and drive. An outstanding sparkling rosé. 98 points – Huon Hooke, The Real Review

73/27% pinot noir/chardonnay fermented in a combination of stainless steel and new French oak barriques (5.5%); dosage 3.1g/L, disgorged November ’24. Energetic, with a superfine bead and mousse and aromas of red apple, red cherry and redcurrant with layers of soft spice, grilled nuts, sea spray, stone and distant wafts of rosewater and a suggestion of Turkish delight. Coal River pinot leads here with some Upper Derwent and Ouse fruit to, as Ed Carr says, ‘pull the sides in and tighten it up’. There is a layered complexity to this wine that is just gorgeous, and a sapid, minerally driveline that seems to pull the wine across the palate. Finishes long and graceful with an impressive length of flavour. It’s a stunner. 96 points – Dave Brookes, Halliday Wine Companion