Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

Tasted from 1/2 bottle. They come in handy for dinner for two in many cases, but especially at a restaurant that allows corkage. Most do in California. It is even harder to find vintage champagne in 375ml’s.

The 2018 vintage was good to very good. You need to taste and or read up for its best offerings.

A note, I tasted at the Billecart-Salmon property in later October 2022 with Mathieu Roland-Billecart. As insightful as that was, he was asked other than Billecart Salmon champagnes, what was one of his favorite champagnes? His reply was surprisingly an older vintage Paul Bara he had recently. That’s a producer question that gets asked often. Normally generates a pause with some minor angst to answer.

The nose shows; lemon chiffon/meringue, bruised apple to slightly cider, bruised pear, yellow & white stone fruits, just ripe pineapple, orange citrus blend, lime pulp, tropical melons, whipped, white cream, white spice-ginger, yeasty bread dough, saline, crushed limestone pulp, crumbled chalk, sea fossils, white spring flowers set in yellow lilies.

The palate is round & soft. The mousse is delicate w/ micro oxidation. Ripe; lemon chiffon/meringue, white & yellow stone fruit, slightly bruised apple & Bosc pear, lime pulp, orange citrus rind, some tropical melons, cream, ginger white spice, yeasty bread dough, sea spray, saline, sea fossils, dry crumbled chalkiness, caramel notes, heather honey, warm perfectly toasted toast, graham cracker, nougat w/ nuts, yellow flowers set in a field of white spring flowers, excellent acidity with a nicely; balanced, structured, tensioned, polished finish that lasts a minute and falls on limestone laced with soft, dry, powdery chalkiness.

Photos of; the house of Paul Bara, chalky caves w/ riddling racks, old wood basket press & a vineyard picking party. — 18 days ago

Paul J

9.0

Great wines for Family Christmas and New Year’s Eve!! No formal notes but rated appropriately. — 3 months ago

with Brooke

Mike Evans

9.4

Rich and well-supported by the dosage, more than held his own with a 2013 Taittinger Comtes. — 4 months ago

Andrew Belzer

9.3

Bright apple, citrus, chalk. Big bubbles, perfect for Julien Sorel cocktails! — a month ago

romo

9.2

Even better than the real thing. — 2 months ago

Douglas Braun

9.2

This the 2015 Vintage - from Bouzy Grand Cru - seems so fresh pear/apple ,Brioche, toasted grain , great mousse — 3 months ago

Jose Lorenzo

9.6

Just spectacular!! — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The Extra Brut NV pours a straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of white peach, lemons, pastilles, minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This is fresh and easy. Disgorged October 2023 — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Anyone who has been paying attention to my notes over the last five years or so will know that I have a strong affinity for the Champagnes of Paul Dethune. Everything they produce is noteworthy and delicious; particularly their fabulous NV offerings. However, if you ever get a chance to try any of their vintage Champagnes, the splurge is worth it. This 2012 example is stunning.

Popped and poured to celebrate the homecoming of a friend. The 2012 pours a beautiful straw color with tiny bubbles that dazzle and a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart forest berries and orchard fruit: raspberries, strawberries, apples, white peach, lemon bars, marzipan, some toasted brioche and minerals. On the palate, bone dry with high acid but it’s all fairly well balanced. The notes from the nose are confirmed and accompanied by chalky minerals…oh the minerals! The finish is long and devastatingly handsome. This is a seriously impressive Champagne in its relative youth but I expect a long life when considering the substantial fruit and acid. In the spirit of Bacchus, drink now and through 2042. — 3 months ago

Douglas Braun

9.0

So good - thanks Sunshine toasty elements amazing fruit elements nice mousse — 4 months ago

with Mark