Paul BaraBouzy, Montagne de Reims

Producer profile
PL Until his death in 2015, Paul Bara "was the most prominent personality in Bouzy, and a legendary figure in the Montagne de Reims." Daughter Chantal was in charge of the 11 hectares of estate vines until 2018. The wines are "classic examples of Bouzy terroir, demonstrating the ample body and ripe fruitiness of pinot noir grown on south-facing slopes." Comtesse Marie de France is 100% Bouzy pinot noir, "showing both richness and refinement." Spécial Club is an "elegantly textured" blend of 2/3 pinot noir and 1/3 chardonnay. The "excellent" Rosé Spécial Club was the first rosé wine in the club's history when the estate started making it in 2004. The domaine's Bouzy Rouge is a "quintessential example" of "elegant, mineral-driven" style that can be aged "for decades." It shows a "crisp fruitiness and silky finesse." TyS 7/10. The family recently celebrated 185th anniversary of the estate. Their wines embody the "characterful grandeur of Bouzy pinot noir, energized by impeccable malic acidity." "The exuberance of ripe fruit is well toned, with freshness and vibrancy preserved by fermenting in small enameled and stainless-steel tanks." Chantal's sister Evelyne manages the estate today. ToS 88 value. "Exceptionally good producer of Bouzy Rouge" and the champagne is also "first rate." "Old vines ensure the power and intensity of Paul Bara wines and enable the winemaker to leave the malolactic fermentation undone. The wines are therefore muscular and lush, but always deliciously succulent."

Tasting notes

Special Club 2012. Disgorged in January 2020. Beautiful darkly styled bottle with gilded lettering. Fresh plump cork. Profusely, whitely mousseux, seafoamy. Tasty, balanced, with lively acidity. Appley but in a different way than, say, Varnier-Fanniere. There is a fleeting indistinct white wine association. Very fresh and pretty. A fine and generous bitterness comes out in the scent and in the flavor against sweeter things like pear and cake. More savory from Zalto Burgundy than Zalto Champagne glass. Curiously, there is an odd earthy nuance in the emptied glass and it registers as "incorrect", albeit not overly prominent. Fabulously evolving wine, fragrantly bitter and presenting layer after layer of flavor, from creamy butterscotch to carrot, mango, and sunflower oil. Purchased at Gordon's in spring 2021 for $72. I would have bought more but it sold out. ⭐⭐