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. — 2 months ago

Brendan Baker

9.2

Very pale transparent ruby, Rainier cherry and cranberry, bright acidity ⚡️😋⚡️ — 4 years ago

Matt

9.3

76 year old Marsanne and Roussane vines. I can think of several Hermitage Blancs that pale in comparison to Sorrel’s C-H blanc, this is a benchmark Rhône white to me. Full of unique aromas, textural, loaded with glycerol and tannin, deeply mineral and complex, begs for the table. Roasted nuts, smashed apricots, peach skin, Rainier cherry, ripe pear, yellow flowers, root vegetables, wet stones, aniseed and honey. Hoping I will be able to age some, but most likely will drink it all up. — 5 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured, enjoyed over several days. Consistent throughout. The 2013 “Serracapelli” pours deep garnet with transparent core, medium+ viscosity no staining of the tears. Some sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with soaring aromatics; explosive notes of Rainier cherry, roses, pomegranate, Grape Nuts, star anise, talcum powder, old wood, new leather, alpine herbs. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and grippy with almost waxy texture. Fresh, balanced, and super compelling. Lovely stuff. Drink now and through 2033 easy. Thanks for the assist @Lyle Fass — a year ago

Charlie Tapp

9.1

Red Plum, rainier cherries, earth and forest floor. — 3 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2018 vintage. Open approx an hour. Simple, undistinguished nose. Fleshy medium body. Bunches of dark and Rainier cherry flavors along with the ubiquitous dark plum but that’s about it currently. Definitely not flashy nor a standout right now. Needs some time to come together. Not one of the showier 2018’s. — 4 years ago

Aravind A

9.1

Pop and pour. A touch of sparkle to start, but blows off with time open. On the nose: soft earth, very NSG with soft funk, rainier cherry and strawberry, soft vanilla. On the palate: fantastic acidity, strawberry, pomegranate, soft earth. Light-bodied, but good density, then the tannin kicks in and finishes this out. Nice finish. — 5 years ago

Daniel Sullivan

9.1

Transparent brilliant ruby.
Watermelon, Rainier cherry, forest floor nose.
Tart and fresh. — 2 years ago

Daniel Bloom

9.1

I’m not sure where my previous note went.
Just when you thought you knew Italy, up pops this might as well be SwissFrench alpine darling from the Vallée D’Aoste.
Blanc de Morgex et de la salle. The town/village of Morgex lies just below Mt. Blanc. The Prié Blanc vines thrive in soil that has not known phylloxera.
Stones, herbs,and lemons all wrapped up in a rather electric pkg. I think drink young. Cold, the nose doesn’t have much to say past stone fruit, maybe rainier cherries.,But the palate is pow! Lemons, herbs, mineral, high acid and refreshing. With fried Branzino, perfect!
Always a sucker for high altitude Italian.
Thanks@ AstorWines — 2 years ago

Anthony Auger

9.5

Strawberries and cream with some fresh mint aroma. Bright mandarin like citrus upfront. The tartness makes that red berry note turn into more of a rainier cherry flavor. As I sit with it, I start to focus on a ripe pineapple note as well. This is one really enjoyable glass. — 4 years ago