Lee Pitofsky

9.8

Disg. 2/14 (07 base)…Always my favorite of the Lieux-Dits and without question one of the very best Blanc de Blancs Champagnes on the planet, it’s particularly special to have with some bottle age. It’s absolutely as stunning as hoped—rich and powerful with crazy depth to its layers with a deep, complex core of caramelized orchard fruit, roasted nuts, old rum barrels and candied white flowers, all with seamless integration. The palate is generous and detailed, with racy acids, waves of saline laced, chalky Le Mesnil minerals and a finish that just stays with you. A BdB benchmark, legendary bubbles. — 22 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

At the Yarra Yering dinner in Brisbane last Thursday ( 3rd October 2024) with winemaker Sarah Crowe. Sarah said that Underhill was the ultimate Shiraz produced by Yarra Yering which came as a surprise but then again Dry Red No. 2 is a Shiraz blend. This was fermented and matured in a special large cask of 3500 litres. Sarah explained that the extra large cask meant less oxygen ingress, slowing down the maturation. An excellent new world cool climate Shiraz. Dark fruits and spice with chewy tannins. 98 points from James Halliday. — a year ago

Ron R

9.6

A special gift from @Shawn R and his lovely wife; Jeniffer.
The visual presentation is superb. Nose is so different from typical champers. No perceptible oak, yeast or bread - wonderful departure. Palate is consistent. Extra brut, but the dosage is deceptively sweet. Smallest bubbles we’ve ever experienced, combine with rose petals and strawberries. Finishes with vigor, but also very regal. Stunning. A new style of champers for us. — 5 years ago

with Joe, Carl and 4 others

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Delicious with Burrata, Sliced Peaches, Greens drizzled in light Olive Oil & Tondo Balsamic Vinegar over Holy Moly Batard Crostini’s made from Companion Bake Shop.

I have come to fully embrace cuvées from Gimonnet & the quality & value they bring over higher priced champagnes.

Nice fuller body. Yellow stone fruit-peaches, nectarines, Bosc Pear, bruised green & red apple, tropical melons, overripe pineapple flesh with heavy juice, hints of ginger ale, graham cracker, baguette crust, understated yeasty notes, very soft white spice, chalky powder, sea spray, limestone powder w/ volcanic minerals, yellow flowers, jasmine, rainfall acidity with elegance & smartly polished finish that last just over a minute and lands on gentle minerality.

Resellers tab this Brut but it comes in a 4.5g, which makes it an Extra Brut.

Vineyards: 60% Cramant Grand Cru, 30% Chouilly Grand Cru & 10% Cuis 1er Cru

100% Chardonnay. Rested 6 years on the lees.

Disgorged 1/19.

This also finished up the night well with Key Lime Tart w/ Graham Cracker Crust. — a month ago

Shea Ferring

9.1

Dark fruits. Ice overall finish.but nothing extra special for the price. I would put this more with the $20 class of wines. — 2 years ago

Marc Ouellette

9.6

The mystery starts with a deep, rich garnet color followed by a variety of fragrances which follows suit with a Caymus Cab. Sweet blackberries, sugar-infused strawberries, aromatic hints of juniper berries, cinnamon, eucalyptus and vanilla. Medium tannins, naturally complex and yet extra bold! Add this Cab to your list at a special occasion or with the one you love! — 4 years ago

Lorena Jordao

8.9

Delivered from Da Claudio during Coronavirus so it’s extra special. Plus it’s organic — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I’ve had a number of Paul Bara N/V’s & a few vintage cuvées, all have been ok to good. This 2016 Special Club stands out as one of the very best I’ve had from this producer.

It is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Its dosage is 6 g, which makes it just into the lowest level of Brut, which is another reason why I probably enjoy it. Extra Brut has definitely become my wheelhouse. This right now is more 93 to 94. With 5-8 yrs of cellar time, it should improve another point or two.

Paul Bara is one of 28 or 29 special club members currently.

The nose shows; bright, lemon, cream, notes of honey, caramel, lime, zest, pineapple juice, honeydew, and tropical melons, beautiful, chalky powder, yeasty notes, spring, flowers, yellow, lilies and Jasmine.

The mouth entry shows beautiful, mousse and crisp acidity. Meyer lemon, frothed whole milk, cream, notes of honeysuckle & caramel, lime zest, green apple, pineapple juice, honeydew, tangerine, white stone fruits, yellow & red Rainier cherries and tropical melons, touch of fresh herbs beautiful, chalky powder, gritty, grey, volcanic minerals, white spice, limestone, yeasty notes, spring, flowers, yellow, lilies and Jasmine. The finish is; well structured & balanced, elegant, last nearly 2 minutes and falls gently on chalk, volcanic minerals and nice spring florals.

Definitely delicious!

Pairing - green, vinaigrette salad w/ honey crisp apple, pomegranate, heirloom tomatoes, walnuts & more.

Photos of; the Champagne House of Paul Bara, Paul Bara brand Ambassador, library cellar and Bouzy vineyard. — 3 months ago

Gee W

10

TBD

ASDA, 12, JAN 22 — 4 years ago

Mark S.

9.1

Very special, red fruits from Pinot noir. No, this is made from Chardonnay grape. 2nd time on 200318, tasty giving impact with matured pear and nuts flavor and sourness. jean fanniere champagne origin extra brut, AVIZE CUVEE grand cru @2300, - Kkami, 210303 — 5 years ago