Paul Bara

Special Club Brut Grand Cru Champagne

9.3145 ratings
9.356 pro ratings
Bouzy, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
Champagne Blend
Squash & Root Vegetables, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cake & Cream, Soft Cheese, Hard Cheese, Salads & Greens, Salami & Prosciutto, Pork, Fish, Chicken, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Nuts & Seeds, Fruit & Berries, Beans & Peas, Exotic Spices, Turkey, Pungent Cheese, Shellfish, Oyster
Top Notes For
Tom Elliot

Founder Northwest Wines

10

Truly spectacular!

Truly spectacular!

Sep 2nd, 2024
Jay Kline

“Rain drops, drop top…” this bottle of the 2004 Paul Bara “Special Club” was popped and poured and enjoyed over the course of 90 minutes. The color is a light gold with a significant and persistent mousse. Developing, the nose is redolent of fresh, ripe raspberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, lemons, brioche, and marzipan. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acidity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, rich and delicious and there’s an almost oily texture. I thought this was outstanding on its own and worked very well with both the chicken and duck dish at the table. While this is singing right now, I have little doubt this will continue to age with grace for another 10+ years. A decadent champagne that’s definitely, ahem, “bad and Bouzy”.

“Rain drops, drop top…” this bottle of the 2004 Paul Bara “Special Club” was popped and poured and enjoyed over the course of 90 minutes. The color is a light gold with a significant and persistent mousse. Developing, the nose is redolent of fresh, ripe raspberries, strawberries, peaches, apples, lemons, brioche, and marzipan. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acidity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, rich and delicious and there’s an almost oily texture. I thought this was outstanding on its own and worked very well with both the chicken and duck dish at the table. While this is singing right now, I have little doubt this will continue to age with grace for another 10+ years. A decadent champagne that’s definitely, ahem, “bad and Bouzy”.

Dec 29th, 2023
Greg Koslosky

In a lovely spot soft complex staring to develop secondaries . Dosage a little high other quite lovely .

In a lovely spot soft complex staring to develop secondaries . Dosage a little high other quite lovely .

Feb 12th, 2023
Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.2

Age your special clubs

Age your special clubs

Sep 5th, 2022
Lyn Farmer

Subtle and restrained at first but this wine blossoms in the glass (just don’t bother with a flute that would construct the nose). Fine pinpoint bubbles carry aroma of crisp red fruit like wild raspberries and sour cherry, white flowers and lemon zest. Gorgeous grand cru fruit, 70% Pinot noir, 30% Chardonnay. Very long finish with loads of minerality on the close.

Subtle and restrained at first but this wine blossoms in the glass (just don’t bother with a flute that would construct the nose). Fine pinpoint bubbles carry aroma of crisp red fruit like wild raspberries and sour cherry, white flowers and lemon zest. Gorgeous grand cru fruit, 70% Pinot noir, 30% Chardonnay. Very long finish with loads of minerality on the close.

Mar 30th, 2022
Sean Calder

Blogger Vinifico! The Original Vancouver Wine Blog

9.4

I loved this. So complex and delicious. It had a finish that went on for a minute or more.

I loved this. So complex and delicious. It had a finish that went on for a minute or more.

Jan 1st, 2018
Vanessa

Just absolutely delicious!!!!!!!

Just absolutely delicious!!!!!!!

1 person found it helpfulFeb 18th, 2024
Vito Sergio Parente

Who else loves Bara? 🙋🏻‍♂️

Who else loves Bara? 🙋🏻‍♂️

1 person found it helpfulMay 15th, 2018
Yoon Ha

Master Sommelier/Wine Director Benu

9.7

Concentrated, honeyed and powerful. Super long expert lees aging renders this wine a unique power that is clean and hedonistic.

Concentrated, honeyed and powerful. Super long expert lees aging renders this wine a unique power that is clean and hedonistic.

1 person found it helpfulMay 20th, 2015
Todd Abrams

Makes me feel like French aristocracy. A truckload of fleshy summer fruits, almond croissants, and wet white stones.

Makes me feel like French aristocracy. A truckload of fleshy summer fruits, almond croissants, and wet white stones.

1 person found it helpfulJan 1st, 2015