Paul Bara Champagne 'Comtesse Marie de France' 2008

This Cuvee is 100% Pinot Noir produced and only in the very best years for Pinot Noir with a total production about 500 dozen bottles. This comes from one of their oldest vineyards around 55 years old which is located mid-slope giving perfect roundness and balance. Aged for 10 years on lees (disgorged 09/19) and finished with a Brut dosage of 7g/l. 2008 was a cooler year producing really classic fine long lived Champagnes and ageing for 10 years on lees has kept the freshness of lees contact making for a very complete and richly styled champagne.

95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous "Bara's 2008 Brut Millesime Comtesse Marie de France offers a striking interplay of rich Pinot fruit with the natural tension of the year. Bright floral and mineral accents drive the 2008 as it gradually opens with a bit of air. In 2008, the Comtesse exudes balance and a level of pedigree that makes it absolutely irresistible. It is one of the most elegant Champagnes I have ever tasted here." 

Located in Bouzy just to the east of Epernay in the Marne Valley, Champagne Paul Bara uses only their own estate grown fruit from 100% Grand cru rated vineyards to craft it’s small range of champagnes. Their superbly sited vineyard sites have over the years been sought after by many of the top Champagne houses, and while many other producers have been busily expanding, Paul Bara have remained producing the highest quality possible from these same 11 hectares for seven generations. Now managed by Chantal Bara, the beliefs and methods remain true to previous generations, producing very low yields of the best possible grapes from these superb vineyard sites. The great art in the champagnes of Paul Bara remains the same as it always has, it is the stunning purity and depth of 100% Grand Cru Bouzy fruit maintained with finesse and balance that is achieved by using such a high percentage of Pinot Noir in the blend. ‘… marvellous, precise, impeccably well presented Champagnes that are at the top of the qualitative pyramid.’ Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate.

"Paul Bara is a living legend in Champagne. Many major champagne houses have approached Bara to try and buy the 30 exceptional locations he controls in the village. Only the first pressing is used, the wines are aged for at least 4 years in the cold cellar, and the yield is maintained at the lowest possible level. Bara’s wines have a very elegant fruitiness, which is unique in Bouzy. …his champagne is world class.” Richard Juhlin, 4000 Champagnes