K Frech

8.9

Picked up in auction. Label is trashed but decent fill. So deceiving. Nose from bottle yuck. Nose from glass oh my. This is beautiful. Soft. Some tobacco. Some fruit like an old blackberry but not in a bad way. Giving no it a 8.9 bit could move it up a notch. — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Champagne Paul Bara, Bouzy – Special Club Grand Cru, Reims, 2005

Overview
A standout grower Champagne from Bouzy, carrying the prestige of the Special Club designation and the depth of a Grand Cru. Crafted with meticulous care, this cuvée rested over 36 months on the lees before disgorgement, bringing a richness and complexity worthy of the vintage.

Aromas & Flavors
The nose is expressive with layers of baked brioche, toasted hazelnut, and almond cream, underpinned by ripe orchard fruits and subtle citrus zest. On the palate, it delivers a beautifully yeasty core, with flavors of apple tart, quince, lemon curd, and a touch of honey. Mineral edges and a faint chalky salinity keep the richness in perfect check.

Mouthfeel
Elegant yet powerful. The mousse is fine and persistent, coating the palate with creamy texture while the acidity provides both lift and tension. The lees aging shows in the roundness and savory depth, giving a long and polished finish.

Food Pairing
Perfect with seared scallops, lobster in beurre blanc, or a simple truffle risotto. Its balance of richness and freshness also makes it a stunning partner for aged Comté or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Verdict
An impressive expression of both terroir and time in cellar. Champagne Paul Bara’s Special Club 2005 shows off why Grand Cru Bouzy fruit, combined with extended lees aging, creates a Champagne of immense character and grace. A bottle that commands attention at the table, while rewarding patience and appreciation. Cheers! — 9 years ago

M. Travis

9.1

Tasty with our early thanks giving dinner — 10 years ago

Evan Bloom

9.3

What a treat. From the company to the antics of the cork removal, all was fantastic. Not surprised with some immediate mustiness on the nose, giving way to a rich but smooth aged blue cheese, mushrooms, soy sauce, earth, and just a faint hint of dried red fruit. Over the next 20 minutes the glass development was out of control, changing with each and every whiff and sip. Earthy umami, oxidative, and and slightly stewed reds to begin quickly opened to nice dried strawberries on the palate and nose, and advancing to moderately subdued ripened strawberries and cranberries- after 61 years and still kickin with fruit! Amazing. Then after about 20 minutes of rapid metamorphosis, it gave in and decided to fade to a very pleasant sipper...awesome. — 10 years ago

with Rajiv and Tim

Marie Chandra

9.0

Nice pinot noir at industrial kitchen. Light and sweet. — 11 years ago

Joe Leone

9.8

Amazed by the price, and blown away by the flavor profiles this everyday white brings to the dinner table.#newfavoritechickencutletwine! — 12 years ago

Vijay Parikh

9.5

With a one hour decant the wine is classic! Aromas of smoked meat, dark fruits, a slight green olive long finish it is a beautifully balanced wine giving a lot of pleasure! Drunk slowly over two hours post decant. The purity and freshness is simply amazing! The second hour post decant the wine continued to unveil more complexity... — 8 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.3

This is Margot Robbie baking you a blackberry pie in your kitchen. — 9 years ago

Jordan Barnes

9.4

Beautiful blend for a good price. — 9 years ago

Matt Austin

Owner/Winemaker, Grosgrain Vineyards, Walla Walla, WA

9.1

Not giving much at first, but opened up nicely after a couple hours in the decanter. Light tannins and probably drinking at peak, but should be fine for several years. — 10 years ago

Matt Lichtenberg

9.5

Popped 1 of my 3 bottles to celebrate two friends turning 50 at Factory Kitchen. 50 year old California Cab with finesse, balance, and though I wouldn't expect it to improve over time, it was fantastic and quintessential old school cab from without a doubt one of my favorite California producers. Just lovely! — 11 years ago

Carl Steefel

9.2

Although only 5% Semillon, that varietal has a strong impact here, giving a touch of sweetness and extra volume. With some air, this delicate aromas of dried herbs and spice. The inner mouth perfume really explides on the finish. — 11 years ago

Thomas Roberts

9.7

In honer of the Porter's visit. Decanted 45 minutes. Faded garnet core with pronounced age on the rim. Leads with graphite and leather, then currants, dried cranberry and notes of cigar box and forest floor. Fruits come through first on the palate and giving similar aromas to the nose, immediately followed by earth, tobacco, wet soil. Medium bodied with moderate viscosity. Still showing tannic structure through the medium+ length finish. Very enjoyable but I believe it'll improve with 5-10 more years. — 13 years ago

Simon Weston

9.0

My reward to myself for spending 5 hours turning a package of flat boards into a kitchen pantry for my in-laws 😃. Needed several hours to breathe and I may have to give them a decanter next Christmas 😃. Inky purple purple and a candy cherry nose, cherry vanilla & oak taste with spicy pepper finish. Smooth tannins but not as lush as older vintages. Going to try to keep the other 2012’s for a couple more years. Happy Christmas everyone. — 8 years ago

Adam Knoerzer

9.5

Gorgeous. For a 2001, it's still giving plenty of red and black cherries that are complimented nicely by the toasty vanilla in the oak. — 9 years ago

Charlie Beatty

Buyer wineworksonline.com

10

Awesome 97 Insignia. The wine of the night and there were plenty others. Sharing this with all on our Monday night dinner group. I would say 100 points because it was. Guys like Rob Parker recently upgraded this to a 100pts. Big rich full and elegant stand out on this 20 yr old wine. Thanks David for giving me this Awesome Beauty. CB — 9 years ago

with Walter, Dennis and 4 others

Devin Bray

9.5

Rich and savory, smelling of seaweed, must, and dark preserves with burnt sugar or caramel. There's an olivey savoriness on the palate that signals Syrah, along with some cured meat and pepper. Opens up with more jammy berry flavors after 30 minutes, with a nice kiss of oak. Old world meets New World feel going on here. Ripe and giving for days on the palate with lots of umami and sweet. — 10 years ago

Michael Ochsner

9.7

So amazingly giving, yet delicate. Crazy fresh red fruit and vibrant spice. — 11 years ago

with Brett

Cody Short

8.9

Too young and not giving up much right now. Lots of potential but some red fruits and wood most prevalent. — 12 years ago

Nicholas Molnar

9.2

Nice table wine — 13 years ago