Paul Bara Brut Champagne Grand Millésimé Grand Cru 2016

93-94 points Essi Avellan, MW: "(90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay). Here, the plush Bouzy Pinot Noir is complemented with 10% Chardonnay. The colour is lemony, with a light peachy tinge. There is a classy reservedness on the nose for the time being, with plenty of Pinot power and complexity ready to emerge. With the nose mainly giving red fruit, there is a stylish toasty whiff to the whole. The muscular palate is packed with delicious fruit. Juicy and beautifully fresh, with attractive nervosity to the mouthfeel. Oozing potential, this one has a long way to go. (Feb 2023)"

93+ points Sarah Mayo (The Wine Independent): "A blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, the Grand Millésime 2016 is bursting with gorgeous aromas of ripe raspberry, morello cherries, rhubarb and honey that lead into a more restrained, medium-bodied palate with refreshing, acid buoyancy and pure red fruits with hints of chalk and honey. It finishes very fresh, long and clean. Disgorged in February 2023 and finished with a seven gram per liter dosage. Lot: 336102. Drink: 2023-2035. (11/8/23)"

93 points CellarTracker.com community score.

The Montagne de Reims boasts some of the best Pinot Noir in the region, and Bouzy is its capital. The key to Bouzy’s inherent greatness lies in its deep, chalky subsoil which imparts intense expression of fruit and great mineral complexity in its grand cru wines. The village of Bouzy and Champagne Paul Bara are practically synonymous. As the published village historian, Paul is indelibly linked to the lore of his hometown. Many argue that he is their most renowned producer, being one of the rare récoltants-manipulants in a region inundated with the mass-produced wines of the large, corporate champagne houses. These récoltants-manipulants, or R.M.s as they are known, are of the few that still grow their own grapes and make their own wines. Champagne Paul Bara is the quintessential example, where everything is done with a personalized touch.