2015 Paul Bara Special Club Rose, Champagne

Paul Bara is one of Champagne's great grower estates, with the family farming Grand Cru vineyards in the village of Bouzy since 1833. Few names are more closely associated with Pinot Noir in Champagne, and today Chantal Bara continues the family's tradition of producing wines that combine power, elegance and a profound sense of place.

Special Club is the flagship expression of the Club Trésors de Champagne growers, reserved only for a producer's finest wines and only released in exceptional vintages. Paul Bara's Rosé Special Club is sourced entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, where Pinot Noir reaches extraordinary levels of ripeness and complexity. It is one of the region's great grower Champagnes and a wine sought after by collectors around the world.

The colour is a beautiful deep salmon pink with a persistent stream of fine bubbles. Aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry and blood orange rise from the glass alongside rose petals, brioche and subtle spice. The palate is layered and powerful, combining vibrant red berry fruit with chalky minerality and the creamy texture that comes from extended ageing on lees. Despite its richness, there is remarkable freshness and precision, with the finish lingering on notes of citrus, pastry and red fruits.

Magnificent with lobster, duck breast with cherries, tuna tataki or simply enjoyed on its own as the centrepiece of a celebration. Drinking beautifully now, while the structure and pedigree suggest many more years of graceful evolution ahead.