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. — 25 days ago

Mark S.

9.1

Very special, red fruits from Pinot noir. No, this is made from Chardonnay grape. 2nd time on 200318, tasty giving impact with matured pear and nuts flavor and sourness. jean fanniere champagne origin extra brut, AVIZE CUVEE grand cru @2300, - Kkami, 210303 — 4 years ago

Karen Wade

9.0

Asda extra special Pinot an absolute bargain when on offer and as good as any other Pinot — 6 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.7

At the Yarra Yering dinner in Brisbane last Thursday ( 3rd October 2024) with winemaker Sarah Crowe. Sarah said that Underhill was the ultimate Shiraz produced by Yarra Yering which came as a surprise but then again Dry Red No. 2 is a Shiraz blend. This was fermented and matured in a special large cask of 3500 litres. Sarah explained that the extra large cask meant less oxygen ingress, slowing down the maturation. An excellent new world cool climate Shiraz. Dark fruits and spice with chewy tannins. 98 points from James Halliday. — 10 months ago

Willie Carter

9.3

These Pierre Gimonnet champagnes are always of the highest quality from the Côte des Blancs and with terrific prices. An original member of the Club Trésors de Champagne, the Special Club, and an easy buy, each and every time.

The color of starlight on a cloudless night. A surplus of tiny bubbles and persistent perlage throughout. A very clean and focused nose showcasing lemon peel, pears, and sea salt. Vanilla custard and pronounced smoke. Hazelnuts and freshly baked dough with a nice dose of spice. Apples of the green and red varieties.

Some love has to be shown to the labels. Classy metal front label and an ultra informative back label. Pure Chardonnay from the Grand Crus of Cramant (59%) and Chouilly (25%) with the rest coming from the Premier Cru terroir of Cuis. The acidity here is outrageous and highly focused, really beautiful. Very pure and creamy. Disgorged in December of 2019 with an Extra Brut dosage of 4 g/l.

Everything carries over to the palate. A very complex and harmonious champagne. Fresh and bold with more apples and spice. Strong minerality and yeast here. Long, enduring finish. This definitely lives up to the standards of Gimonnet and the Special Club. Don’t sleep on these 14’s, they’re alive and kicking. — 4 years ago

Eric Vishria

9.4

Had this and the 2004 Cristal. Special treats. — 6 years ago

Shea Ferring

9.1

Dark fruits. Ice overall finish.but nothing extra special for the price. I would put this more with the $20 class of wines. — 2 years ago

Gee W

10

TBD

ASDA, 12, JAN 22 — 3 years ago

Marc Ouellette

9.6

The mystery starts with a deep, rich garnet color followed by a variety of fragrances which follows suit with a Caymus Cab. Sweet blackberries, sugar-infused strawberries, aromatic hints of juniper berries, cinnamon, eucalyptus and vanilla. Medium tannins, naturally complex and yet extra bold! Add this Cab to your list at a special occasion or with the one you love! — 4 years ago

Lorena Jordao

8.9

Delivered from Da Claudio during Coronavirus so it’s extra special. Plus it’s organic — 5 years ago