Paul Bara Champagne Brut Reserve Grand Cru NV Demi 0,375 l

 - 3* GERHARD EICHELMANN: "Der Brut Reserve Grand Cru besteht aus 85 Prozent Pinot Noir und 15 Prozent Chardonnay, enthält 50 Prozent Reserveweine. Er wird mindestens drei Jahre auf der Hefe ausgebaut und mit 8 Gramm dosiert. Er zeigt gute Konzentration, reife Frucht, etwas gelbe Früchte, ist herrlich eindringlich. Er ist lebhaft und klar im Mund, kraftvoll und zupackend, besitzt gute Substanz und Struktur, feine Frische und Länge."
- *(*) PETER LIEM champagneguide.net: "This is made of 80 percent pinot noir and 20 percent chardonnay, with reserve wines accounting for 50 percent of the blend. It’s surprisingly supple and approachable considering its base vintage, and also considering that it’s made entirely without malolactic. Its fragrant notes of strawberry and red cherry are pinned down by a lively structure, showing plenty of finesse, and they’re accented by subtle notes of chalk that persist on the elegant finish. This is excellent, and the finest version of this cuvée that I’ve tasted in a long time. Last tasted: 3/14."
The non-vintage Brut Réserve is always a blend of at least three different years, made from four-fifths pinot noir and one-fifth chardonnay, and can contain up to 50 percent reserve wines, depending on the base vintage. With its bold fruitiness and shapely elegance, it’s an excellent introduction to the Bara style.
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, and despite the absence of malolactic, these champagnes are rarely aggressive - they tend to feel velvety in their depth of fruit and seamless in their integration of components from beginning to end. All of Bara’s wines are pure Bouzy and 100-percent grand cru, since they own no other parcels."
- 90 Punkte WINESPECTATOR (10/2015): "A fine aperitif, this bright and balanced Champagne offers a lacy texture, a smoky underpinning and accessible flavors of black currant, salted almond, candied lemon zest and ground ginger. Drink now through 2018."
- 90 Punkte VINOUS, Josh Raynolds (1/2015): "(80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay; 8 g/l dosage: Pale gold. Smoky, mineral-tinged aromas of dried pear, melon and white flowers, with a hint of toastiness in the background. Sappy and smooth on the palate, offering pliant orchard and citrus fruit flavors and a touch of buttered toast. Closes with firm grip, a hint of sweet butter and very good smoky persistence."
- Champagne Paul Bara mit 5 Herzen (Höchstnote) im GUIDE DE VINS von Patrick Dussert-Gerber bewertet: "Joli BRUT RÉSERVE, de robe brillante, tout en fraîcheur aromatique, avec ces notes d‘agrumes et d‘acacia, de mousse fine et très persistante, alliant saveur et distinction."
- 92 Punkte VINOUS Antonio Galloni: "Readers who want to get a sense of broad, powerful Champagnes that are typical of Bouzy will want to check out Bara's NV Brut Réserve Gran Cru. Rich, ample and creamy, the NV Brut Réserve possesses notable depth and richness throughout. Stone fruit, white flowers, mint and smoke impart a sense of real gravitas and depth. This is an especially dense, muscular style, but there is no shortage of personality. I find this edition of the NV Brut Réserve Gran Cru compelling, even if the ripeness is a bit pushed. Then again, that is Bouzy."

- VINOUS, Antonio Galloni (11/2020): "The NV Brut Réserve is a gorgeous wine for readers who want to explore the Bara Champagnes. Warm toasty notes enhance the natural radiance of Bouzy Pinot in a richly textured, vinous Champagne that is drinking beautifully today. Hints of dried pear, spice and dried flowers are laced into the silky finish. Disgorged: December, 2019."

- VINOUS, Antonio Galloni (12/2019): "The NV Brut Réserve is a gorgeous Champagne that captures all of the natural richness of Bouzy. Ample, creamy and expressive, the Réserve has so much to offer right now. Super-ripe red plum, chamomile, sweet spice and lightly honeyed notes all grace this mid-weight, entry-level offering. Disgorged: July, 2019."

- "Sehr gut" WEIN-PLUS (12/2019): "Beschreibung: Etwas kräuterig-pflanzlicher, floraler und hefiger Duft mit zurückhaltenden, hellen gelbfruchtigen Aromen und recht deutlicher Mineralik. Reife, leicht schmelzige und süßliche Frucht, pflanzliche, hefige und ein wenig salzige Noten, herbe nussige Töne am Gaumen, ganz leicht gedeckt, mittelfeines Tannin, etwas Gerbstoff, gewisse Nachhaltigkeit und Substanz, guter bis sehr guter, eine Spur rauer Abgang mit einem Hauch schwarzer Beeren."

- VINOUS, Antonio Galloni (11/2020): "The NV Brut Réserve is a gorgeous wine for readers who want to explore the Bara Champagnes. Warm toasty notes enhance the natural radiance of Bouzy Pinot in a richly textured, vinous Champagne that is drinking beautifully today. Hints of dried pear, spice and dried flowers are laced into the silky finish. Disgorged: December, 2019."

- DECANTER: "Gentle citrus and red fruit nose and palate. An excellent wine in terms of concentration and density. Super satisfying and classy."

- 91 Punkte VINOUS, Antonio Galloni (11/2021): „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.“