Norman

9.2

I have been wanting to try this for years and finally got access to his wines without having to drive down to San Diego. Pushed K&L every so often and they finally delivered. This was way better than I expected. I heard he is using sulfur so it’s not as “natural” as before but way more stable. Flavors were light and food friendly. Hint of vinegar to be on the nose but not on the palate. Crowd pleaser. Listening to Action Bronson who alerted me to this wine on That’s Delicious. Bring it back! — 20 days ago

Shay A

9.2

I initially expected more based on vintage + producer, but also have to keep context in focus that this is Crozes-hermitage.

Followed over two days and very little changed.

I’m surprised at saying that after 48hrs for a C-H…I think this is in a weird phase/shut down. Powerful/heady aromatics (black fruits, olive, espresso). ABV pokes out a bit up front. Good mid-palate weight with peppered dark fruits, herbs and some iron before a curtain of tannin shuts this down hard. Undeniably Syrah at the finish with a rusticity I normally find in Cornas…dark florals, spice, graphite and some charcoal. A serious and structured C-H. — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of several hours and it needed it. The 2017 Bienvenue Bâtard-Montrachet pours a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, this was initially quite shy but after a couple of hours, the nose exploded into a veritable cornucopia: apples, pineapple, passion fruit, stone fruit, lemon curd, honeysuckle, flint, gentle warm spices and a mix of limestone minerals and gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long with a chalky texture. A banger. Drink now with patience; better after 2027 and through 2042. — 2 months 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. — a month ago

Michael Amoruso

9.0

2024 vintage. Wow delicious. Just off dry enough. Luscious ripe apricots. Georgia peaches. Nice finish. — 2 months ago

James Everhart

9.3

Did not expect a basic chablis to be so full-bodied yet balanced. It was a perfect match for roasted chicken with a tarragon mustard slurry. Purchase for $25 in March 2022. — 2 months ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.3

Aging has its benefits as this is 6 years old and smooth. Good fragrance and cherry. August 2025. — 13 days ago

Joe DAscoli

9.3

Dense and tannic. Needs some time to open up with air.

Fruit is hiding. — a month ago

David White

9.3

Deep Ruby with slightly lighter ruby edge nose and palate of dark cherry flavours with some vanilla and tobacco flavours
Still maturing but will last a long time.
Great accompaniment to a NY cut steak. Should further mature for a decade or more.

— a month ago

Joe Flo

9.9

Dr. Crane dinner tasting — 2 months ago