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 days ago

Anthony Ludwig

10

But again from club shipment — 6 months ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.2

50th. Good not great. — 8 months ago

Billy L.

9.3

Celebrating John K. Selling Long Beach House! Cheers 🍾🥂👍🏻👏🏻 — 16 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours. The 2008 Special Club pours a straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing and somewhat shy but there’s citrus, white peach, brioche and a rather fascinating smell that reminded me of a built-up roof. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose however here, it’s much richer and expansive. The finish is long. Young? Probably. Drink now through 2038. No disgorgement data. — 6 months ago

Jose Lorenzo

9.6

Just spectacular!! — 8 months ago

GaryWEdwards

9.6

From a 3L bottle served by the glass at the club. What a beautiful wine. Big, full dark berries with tannins perfect. — 9 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.0

Good but a little too heavy on the malo for me — 3 months ago

Mario Zillner

9.5

Very surprised by this, but I guess no Mark Hébrart should be all that surprising. Definitely punches above its weight class, and has many similarities to the 2012/2013 PRSWC. Alluring freshness and vibrancy coupled with a shocking level depth and roundness. Very well balanced all-around; looking forward to cellaring the 2019s. Mouthfeel is pure velvet via a delightfully soft / oily texture. 60% Pinot Noir + 40% Chardonnay; Dosage: 4-6 g/l. Disgorged: 1/18/22 — 5 months ago

Ed Chin

9.2

Bruised apples and bread that was just fabulously balanced by the acidity. I would have scored higher if the bubbles were more present. — 8 months ago