rating A-
standout original grower-producer
about property built in 1860, still family owned and run by Chantale Bara, daughter of Paul who started selling wine under his name in the 1950s. One of the first grower-producers to be imported into the USA. Located in Bouzy—about which Paul Bara wrote a book—for Pinot Noir dominant wines.
wines tasted
Brut Réserve Grand Cru NV ($70)
80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, six years on the lees. Round, rich, remarkably fresh despite the long lees ageing, with fleshy red fruit aromas and a complex, toasty texture. 7g/L dosage.
Brut Rosé Grand Cru NV ($73)
80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, three years on the lees. Colour comes from a combination of direct press and addition of red wine from Bouzy. Fresh, bright, and delicious. 8g/L dosage.
Brut Millésime Grand Cru 2016 ($100)
90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay. Eight years on the lees, 8g/l dosage. Pinot Noir dominance gives the wine body and weight, while maintaining racy acidity.
Special Club Grand Cru 2015 ($140)
70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. Five years on the lees, 7g/l dosage. Slightly more delicate and taut than the millésime, but still with fuller body from Pinot Noir.
website https://www.champagnepaulbara.com/en/
phone
address rue Yvonnet, Bouzy
