Arras Museum Release Blanc de Blancs 2006

Granted that much of the attention for this wine will focus on what surely must be a record price for an Australian sparkling wine, but that would be a shame as it is a truly special release. Seventeen years on lees, just 395 bottles are available. Dosage is meagre 1.5 grams per litre. Quite a stunning nose with notes of lemon cream, hazelnuts, fresh brioche, almonds and grapefruit, this is balanced, elegant, and offering amazing complexity. A wine of finesse with energy and focus, the intensity is maintained for the full journey. It is still extraordinarily youthful and I would defy anyone to pick the age of this wine if served blind. You would be lucky to get within a decade. An absolute masterpiece, which offers a thrilling future. Add this to your bucket list if you are serious about great Australian wine.