2007 Paul Bara "Annonciade" Bouzy Grand Cru Brut Champagne

92pts Antonio Galloni, Vinous

The 2007 Annonciade is a bit of an outlier in this range, as it shows quite a bit of oak influence. Dried flowers, almond, dried pear, honey and chamomile add layers of complexity. The gently oxidative style works nicely.

Estate Summary

Paul Bara is a terrific source for rich, Pinot Noir-driven Champagnes that capture the essence of Bouzy, a village where wines marry fruit intensity with chalky minerality. I was especially taken with the 2012 Comtesse Marie de France, which takes all the signatures of Bouzy and then amplifies them through the natural radiance of the vintage. The wines are fermented in steel, with the exception of the Annonciade, which is done in barrel. Malolactic fermentation is inhibited. As good as the top cuvées are, the NV Champagnes offer plenty of the house’s distinctive style at more approachable prices.