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. — 7 days ago

Deborah M

9.3

Hello lovely. What a great champagne. Didn’t know this producer but wow, I do now. — a month ago

Mackenzie Svee

9.0

bone-dry finish mellowed by the ripe-apricot character, plus hints of toast and melted butter. — 2 months ago

Andrew McIntyre

9.6

Ok this is crazy good. Layers and layers of flavour with exceptional concentration. Would instantly buy again and look forward to trying other blends in their line-up. — 21 days ago

Bonnie Chu

9.0

Dad 80th 🎂 — 20 days ago

Michael Dierberg

9.4

Has a little brown toast note that is distinctive. Overall very nice and worthy of a graduation celebration. — a month ago

Shayne Stockslager

9.7

Perfect wine for a celebration! Something easy to chill and enjoy for New Years Eve. — 16 days ago

Neil Valenzuela

9.5

Bright yellow color, small delicate bubbles. Grapefruit, lemon and orange with flavors of biscuit, broche and honey. — a month ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.4

Cena casa augusto con peter zehian — a month ago

Will Stanley

9.2

There are very few moments in my time that have had a greater call for Champagne than when I opened this, on June 3rd 2025. My football team here in the UK, Oldham Athletic, promoted for the first time in my life, which I watched at Wembley. I know this seems quite trivial and meaningless to most of you, but I must document it here, so please indulge me. Up the Latics!

As for the wine, this was a hasty cellar pull and I didn’t want anything OTT. But isn’t Taittinger fantastic? For me, one of the best Grandes Marques pound-for-pound. This bottle had a bit of age too. Really superb, drinkable stuff. — a month ago