Paul Bara

Special Club Brut Grand Cru Champagne

9.365 ratings
9.330 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
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
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
Beth Cotenoff

Gorgeous Blanc de Noirs - such elegant core of red fruit & super floral, lavender nose.

Gorgeous Blanc de Noirs - such elegant core of red fruit & super floral, lavender nose.

Dec 19th, 2015
Veronica Castro

So powerful. Killing it. Anise nose, toasty, bready notes.

So powerful. Killing it. Anise nose, toasty, bready notes.

Oct 18th, 2015
Ty Richchouyrod

@Amy Marshall birthday bubbly

@Amy Marshall birthday bubbly

May 26th, 2015
Scott Lauck

Delish ! These Piedmontese love the great champagne producers.

Delish ! These Piedmontese love the great champagne producers.

Mar 19th, 2015
Veronica Castro

Loads of drive and rounded fruit.

Loads of drive and rounded fruit.

Oct 31st, 2014
Ted
9.4

Almond, lemon. Tasty for one of the final Friday night boat dinners.

Almond, lemon. Tasty for one of the final Friday night boat dinners.

Aug 31st, 2018