Paul Bara has always been at the top of our list when it comes to Special Club Champagne, only made in exceptional vintages; there’s so much depth and energy jam-packed here. 2012 was the best millesime we have ever tasted, so if that is any indication, the Special Club, held to a much higher standard, is nothing short of mind-blowing. A substantial house for Pinot Noir being in Bouzy and that shines through here gracefully. There’s a splash of Chardonnay around 30%, just enough to pump up the acidity and add shape and texture. The vines used for this Cuvee are closing in on 40 years old and have lovely concentration and expression of terroir, which is quite noticeable in the Special Club where the minerality is a core component. Another thing to note here is that the Special Club dosage is a gram or two lower than the regular millesime bottling, which we appreciate. All the components to be the best vintage of Special Club that Paul Bara has ever made and should be an instant buy for anyone that enjoys top tier Grower Champagne Champagne.
Antonio Galloni 94 points! "All the best qualities of the Paul Bara house style are found in the 2012 Spécial Club. Bright, ample and wonderfully perfumed, the 2012 has it all. Orchard fruit, white flowers, mint and white pepper all add freshness. For a 2012, Bara’s Spécial Club is very tight, which won’t be any issue at all over time, but does mean readers will have to exercise at least a bit of patience. Disgorged: October, 2019."
2012 Paul Bara Champagne Grand Cru Special Club
2012 Paul Bara Champagne Grand Cru Special Club
Paul Bara has always been at the top of our list when it comes to Special Club Champagne, only made in exceptional vintages; there’s so much depth and energy jam-packed here. 2012 was the best millesime we have ever tasted, so if that is any indication, the Special Club, held to a much higher standard, is nothing short of mind-blowing. A substantial house for Pinot Noir being in Bouzy and that shines through here gracefully. There’s a splash of Chardonnay around 30%, just enough to pump up the acidity and add shape and texture. The vines used for this Cuvee are closing in on 40 years old and have lovely concentration and expression of terroir, which is quite noticeable in the Special Club where the minerality is a core component. Another thing to note here is that the Special Club dosage is a gram or two lower than the regular millesime bottling, which we appreciate. All the components to be the best vintage of Special Club that Paul Bara has ever made and should be an instant buy for anyone that enjoys top tier Grower Champagne Champagne.
Antonio Galloni 94 points! "All the best qualities of the Paul Bara house style are found in the 2012 Spécial Club. Bright, ample and wonderfully perfumed, the 2012 has it all. Orchard fruit, white flowers, mint and white pepper all add freshness. For a 2012, Bara’s Spécial Club is very tight, which won’t be any issue at all over time, but does mean readers will have to exercise at least a bit of patience. Disgorged: October, 2019."
