With the release of its superb new Arras Chardonnay Pinot Noir 1995 Hardys has turned Australian sparkling wine on its head. With a retail price around $55, it’s the most expensive Australian sparkling wine (other than sparkling red) ever sold, but it has also clearly been the most successful sparkling wine on the national show circuit over the last three years, collecting seven trophies and thirteen gold medals in that time. With a score of 18.7 (drink 2000-2003) I fully endorse its quality. Its fresh creamy cracked yeast fragrance simply bursts with lemon sherbet and grainy chardonnay, sweet raspberries and cherries, while its crackly, mouthfilling palate is long and refined, balanced and even. Great structure, balance and finesse and sourced from predominantly Tasmanian fruit, the remainder coming from the Yarra Valley. Winemaker Ed Carr’s 1995 stablemate, the Arras Pinot Noir Chardonnay has itself collected three trophies and thirteen gold medals. With Tasmanian pinot noir from Piper’s River its largest component, it’s more developed and brassy, with some greenish snow pea elements. Due for release in August 2000, I find it rather more straightforward, broad and less impressive, with a score of 17.0.
