Wine Advocate (91)

The Paul Bara Annonciade Blanc de Noirs 2004 is a truly extraordinary and limited-edition creation from the esteemed Champagne house, Paul Bara. This robust Blanc de Noirs is masterfully crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grown exclusively in Bara's prime Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, an exalted Champagne region prized for its sublime terroir. Adhering to traditional methods, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and is aged for 15 years on the lees to develop remarkable complexity and character. The resulting vintage offers enchanting aromas of ripe white fruits, nutty undertones, and delicate brioche notes, harmoniously balancing intensity and finesse. On the palate, the Paul Bara Annonciade Blanc de Noirs 2004 delights with poised acidity and a striking mineral edge, encapsulating the essence of its illustrious origin. This top-tier Champagne is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and quality standards synonymous with Paul Bara's legacy.

The Paul Bara Annonciade Blanc de Noirs 2005 encapsulates the true essence of Bouzy Grand Cru terroir, with a pedigree that displays finesse and complexity. This alluring champagne was produced by Paul Bara, a highly respected grower renown in the prestigious wine producing region of Champagne, France. The Blanc de Noirs 2005 showcases the Pinot Noir grape, nurtured, hand-harvested and traditionally vinified in the Bara domain. Aged for 10 long years in the winery's 200-year-old cellars, this vintage exhibits a finely-tuned balance of opulence and freshness. It boasts rich notes of golden apple and citrus, accentuated by alluring hints of brioche and honey, embodying elegance in every flute. A delight to the senses, the Paul Bara Annonciade Blanc de Noirs 2005 is a notable asset for any fine wine enthusiast, offering an impeccable taste of the Champagne region's splendid heritage.

Paul Bara Annonciade Blanc de Noirs 2006 hails from the prestigious terroir of Bouzy, in the heart of Champagne. Fifth generation vintner Chantal Bara meticulously follows traditional methods to create this unparalleled champagne. Made exclusively from Grand Cru Pinot Noir grapes, it embodies the essence of Bouzy, lauded for its robust, expressive wines. The 2006 vintage has benefited from a decade of ageing in the Bara cellars, giving it a fine, complex bouquet and an assertive palate of luscious red fruits, hazelnuts, and warm spice, underscored by vivacious minerality. With a creamy mousse and superb persistence, Paul Bara Annonciade Blanc de Noirs 2006 is an emblem of both the esteemed Bara maison and the illustrious Bouzy terroir. Perfectly ready to drink now, it can be savoured alone or paired with exquisite gourmet dishes.

The Paul Bara Comtesse Marie de France Brut 2010 is the epitome of fine Champagne meticulously crafted by the distinguished Paul Bara estate. Nestled in the heart of Bouzy, a Grand Cru village renowned for its exceptional terroir, this estate has masterfully produced splendid wines since 1833. The Comtesse Marie de France is a revelation in the world of vintage brut champagnes crafted from 100% Pinot Noir. Reflecting the richness of the 2010 vintage, it exhibits deep, intense flavours amplified by a minimum of eight years maturation. The Champagne's refined effervescence discloses enticing notes of ripe orchard fruits, honeyed brioche, and subtle mineral undertones, culminating in a long, resonant finish. With only limited quantities produced, the Paul Bara Comtesse Marie de France Brut 2010 offers not just a taste but an exquisite journey into the pedigree and legacy of the Champagne region.

Vinous (95)

Emanating from the eminent Champagne producer, Paul Bara, comes the distinguished Paul Bara Grand Rose Bouzy NV. Each sip offers a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the esteemed Bouzy region of Champagne, France. Hand-tended for only the highest quality, these vineyards have been carefully cultivated by the talented Bara family since 1833. Made through the meticulous 'saignée' method, the wine exudes a deep salmon hue and lavish flavours.

This non-vintage champagne takes centre stage with fragrant aromas of ripe strawberries and brioche, cascading into palate-pleasing notes of cherry and raspberry. With a precise, vibrant acidity matched with a gratifyingly long finish, the Paul Bara Grand Rose Bouzy NV eloquently showcases the quintessential charm of the Grand Cru terroirs. It's not just a champagne; it's a work of art patiently put together, standing as an emblem of unwavering quality.

The Paul Chavy Puligny-Montrachet 2022 stands as a testament to the quality of French winemaking. This elegant Chardonnay hails from Burgundy's famed Puligny-Montrachet village, renowned for its superior terroir. Paul Chavy, a respected, meticulous vintner, ensures the grapes experience careful nurturing before being hand-harvested at perfect ripeness.

Through traditional viniculture techniques, employing partial malolactic fermentation and 18-month ageing in oak, a wine of immense complexity and depth is produced. The Paul Chavy Puligny-Montrachet 2022 boasts brilliant golden hues, vibrant with floral, citrus and minerally notes on the nose. This richness unfolds on the palate with layered nuances of green apple, honey, and a characteristic flinty undertone.

A testament to the Chavy family's commitment to excellence spanning over 7 generations, this Puligny-Montrachet's combination of structure, length, and subtleness is a true reflection of its distinguished pedigree. The Paul Chavy Puligny-Montrachet 2022 promises a wine experience like no other.

Tim Atkin MW (96)