Delicious Champagne from Paul Bara

Seckford has just shipped its latest parcel of Champagne Paul Bara! These are 100% Grand Cru Champagnes from family-owned vineyards, which Andrew Jefford (The New France) says are the "essential references for anyone who wants to enjoy and understand the ripe, dry richness of Bouzy". The house is now in the hands of Paul's daughter Chantale.

"Paul Bara’s champagnes are classic examples of Bouzy, with a full body and an ample, fruity ripeness thanks to pinot noir grown on the village’s warm, south-facing slopes. At the same time they demonstrate an unusual refinement and finesse - they tend to feel velvety in their depth of fruit and seamless in their integration of components from beginning to end" Peter Liem ~ champagneguide.net

The vintage champagnes are always aged for a minimum of five to six years, and the classic champagnes for two to three years. The bottles are stored in the cool & dark of the hundred-year-old cellars dug out of the chalk thirty-six feet underground.

Spécial Club is a unique champagne that is only made in exceptional years. The champagne is brought before an expert tasting panel, composed of oenologists and growers, on two occasions. The first of these tasting tests is to approve the still base wine (vin clair) and the second to approve the champagne for the 'Spécial Club' label. For many Bara fans this is their favourite champagne of the House, due to this one having the most chardonnay in the blend (30%). It is richly aromatic and absolutely gorgeous. This is a must buy for any champagne-lover!

Antonio Galloni (vinous.com) says "In 2008, the Comtesse exudes balance and a level of pedigree that makes it absolutely irresistible. It is one of the most elegant Champagnes I have ever tasted here." 

Paul Bara Brut Reserve Grand Cru NV

£135 per 6 bottles UB

Antonio Galloni (Vinous) - 91 points 

The NV Brut Réserve is a gorgeous wine full of Bouzy and Pinot Noir character. Ample and creamy in the glass, with excellent breadth, the Brut Réserve is a terrific introduction to the house style. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Disgorged: May, 2021.

Paul Bara Extra Brut Grand Cru NV

£165 per 6 bottles UB

Seckford's note

80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay. 3g. 50% 2014, 50% reserve
Old vines – around 50 years old. No malo – keeps the freshness + acidity.
Red apples, redcurrants, clear Pinot Noir nose. Lovely crisp, textured apples, tart, but easy to drink minerality and freshness. Tingly small delicate bubbles.

Paul Bara Grand Rosé de Bouzy NV

£148 per 6 bottles UB

Antonio Galloni (Vinous) - 92 points 

The NV Brut Grand Rosé is fabulous. Bright and punchy, the Rosé fleshes out beautifully in the mid-palate and into the finish as the Pinot gains volume. The Grand Rosé has enough charm to drink well as an aperitif, but there is serious depth here too. Cranberry, orange peel, dried rose petal and a hint of cinnamon develop over time. The Grand Rosé is simply impeccable from start to finish. More importantly, it is absolutely delicious. Disgorged: December, 2019.

Paul Bara Grand Millésime Grand Cru 2014

£178 per 6 bottles UB

Antonio Galloni (Vinous) - 92 points 

Candied apricot, dried flowers, chamomile and spice give the 2014 Brut Grand Millésime a real sense of exoticism that is impossible to miss. Ample and creamy, the 2014 possesses terrific resonance and plenty of depth, all in a style that can be enjoyed with minimal, if any, cellaring. Disgorged: July, 2019. 

Paul Bara Special Club Grand Cru 2014
£275 per 6 bottles UB

Seckford's note

70% PN, 30% Chard. 7g dosage.
Linked to the exclusive Club Trésors de Champagne association which has 28 members and was created to advocate an approach to viticulture based on the utmost standards of quality.
So delicate, red apples, soft pastry and grapefruit. Balanced and elegant. Sharp, fine bubbles. Finesse. Really lovely. Soft apples on the finish and a lovely creamy texture.