94 points Wine & Spirits: "Pinot noir provides 80 percent of this blend, chardonnay the balance, both from the clay-limestone soils of Bouzy; this current release is from the 2011 vintage. The wine fermented in stainless steel and did not undergo malolactic conversion; then it aged for six years in bottle on the lees. It’s an ornate Champagne, lush and fully developed on one hand, brisk with chamomile and lotus-root scents on the other, and creamy with bright notes of yellow rose, white peach and corn silk. Full-on delicious. (Dec 2020)"
93 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2012 base vintage; 20% chardonnay, 80% pinot noir, with 7g/L dosage). In these days of ever lower dosage, here’s evidence that a little more sweetness can sometimes be a blessing, especially in the presence of malic acidity, even in a village as exuberant as Bouzy. A stark contrast to the Extra Brut, a little more dosage lends more lift to its red fruit core, and a more honeyed feel to its structure, lengthening the finish. (2020-2021)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "Six years of aging in bottle on the lees has taken this wine to a copacetic balance, the age converting yeastiness to scents of tarte tatin and puff pastry, the limestone acidity gentled to a subtle bristle. Delicate overall, this is easy to enjoy. (2022)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "A creamy Champagne, offering concentrated flavors of mandarin orange preserves, dried white cherry and grated ginger, underscored by a streak of salty mineral. Well-balanced, with a lip-smacking finish. Disgorged December 2019. Drink now through 2023. 670 cases imported. (11/30/20)"
91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A discreet but nicely layered nose speaks of brioche, citrus, pear liqueur and a whiff of white flowers. The bold, rich and full-bodied flavors are supported by a generous but not aggressive mousse before culminating in a crisp, delicious and yeasty finish. This is not an elegant effort but to Bara's credit, the use of the term 'Réserve' is warranted as there is evident complexity along with the seductive mouth feel that comes with age. Drink: now+. (Oct 2019)"
93 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(2012 base vintage; 20% chardonnay, 80% pinot noir, with 7g/L dosage). In these days of ever lower dosage, here’s evidence that a little more sweetness can sometimes be a blessing, especially in the presence of malic acidity, even in a village as exuberant as Bouzy. A stark contrast to the Extra Brut, a little more dosage lends more lift to its red fruit core, and a more honeyed feel to its structure, lengthening the finish. (2020-2021)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "Six years of aging in bottle on the lees has taken this wine to a copacetic balance, the age converting yeastiness to scents of tarte tatin and puff pastry, the limestone acidity gentled to a subtle bristle. Delicate overall, this is easy to enjoy. (2022)"
91 points Wine Spectator: "A creamy Champagne, offering concentrated flavors of mandarin orange preserves, dried white cherry and grated ginger, underscored by a streak of salty mineral. Well-balanced, with a lip-smacking finish. Disgorged December 2019. Drink now through 2023. 670 cases imported. (11/30/20)"
91 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A discreet but nicely layered nose speaks of brioche, citrus, pear liqueur and a whiff of white flowers. The bold, rich and full-bodied flavors are supported by a generous but not aggressive mousse before culminating in a crisp, delicious and yeasty finish. This is not an elegant effort but to Bara's credit, the use of the term 'Réserve' is warranted as there is evident complexity along with the seductive mouth feel that comes with age. Drink: now+. (Oct 2019)"
| Product SKU | 344594 |
| Producer | Paul Bara |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| SubRegion | Montagne de Reims |
| Varietal | Champagne / Sparkling Blend |
| Designation | Brut |
| Vintage | NV |
| Size | 1.5L |
| Color | White |
| Blend | 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay |
| Ships To |
