2008 Paul Bara Annonciade, Champagne

The only barrel fermented cuvée from Paul Bara, the Annonciade 2008 is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay that develops with extended lees aging prior to release, 14 years for this 2008. The nose is complex and oxidative with aromas of ripe stone fruit, bruised apple, dried verbena, cold butter and toast. The medium to full-bodied palate is rounded by abundant fruit that is well-balanced by a vibrant, supple acid line and finishes medium to long with honey and toast notes. The bottle tasted was disgorged in December 2022 and finished with a four gram per liter dosage.

93 points thewineindependent

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.

100% Pinot Noir. In 1833, Annonciade, the daughter of a winemaker from Bouzy, married Auguste François Bara, a young cooper from the neighbouring village. Their son, Jules Bara, had the first Paul Bara champagne cellar built. This barrel-fermented champagne is a tribute to the Bara heritage.