Paul Secombe

9.4

Would never normally cellar a Pinot, but found this in the back of the cupboard … SUPERB. Mint, spearmint and just a hint of dark berries, and exceptionally smooth — a month ago

Bruce Dunbar

9.2

Loaded with minerality and acidity, this is a fantastic and versatile food wine. Pear and slate on the nose. Hits the palate dry and opens beautifully. Melon and fleshy white fruit balanced by lemon pith. A great version of this blend of German grapes from Sonoma. — 3 months ago

Jennifer Memmolo

9.2

heirloom tomato and tarragon — 3 years ago

Brian Hearty

9.0

2019. Herbal, saffron, saline aromas. Seemed thin at first, but quickly gained weight. Limey acidity. I didn’t have too many bottles in the wine fridge, but this turned out to be a perfect match with a fennel-grapefruit salad that accompanied a great roast chicken. — 4 years ago

Doug Powers

9.1

This has been the lightest of the vintages I’ve purchased of this cuvée, but it shows bracing acidity and very good length, I believe it’s my last bottle, but will be great with an heirloom tomato and goat cheese for dinner, lovely Seguret Rose!! — a month ago

with Jim

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.4

Light liquid yellow in the glass… explosive first sip. Acid, weight, bright lemon zest, brioche, tart key lime. Long, chewy, stemmy finish lasts at least 30 seconds. Wonderful mid-summer food wine that grows in gravitas and grip as it warms…nice foil to roast Alaskan halibut with heirloom tomato/ricotta topper. Not your average simple Italian white. — 2 years ago

Eric Urbani

9.2

Still great, love it. Lodi, Heirloom Ranch, Mokelumne River 13% ABV. Gorgeous — 3 years ago

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. — a month ago

Brad Jensen

9.0

Green apple citrus, slight pear and alcoholic notes, maybe a little nutmeg or cinnamon on the nose, with a brandy like delivery. Medium bodied on a golden hues body with a slight greening to the rim. The palate is similar, with a Calvados or brandy like presence, with prominent pear, baked apple, and a slight spicy around the gums, with a little crème brûlée on the finish. — 2 years ago

Steve Gerths

9.5

The 129th year of this vineyard nailed it. This is Wine Spectator #15 from their 2018 100 Best wines. This is aging well. Dark purple color from 19 wine varietals. This is a special wine! — 5 years ago