Brut Reserve N/V, 375ml, $34.69
Rose Grand Bouzy N/V, 375ml, $37.30
2006 Brut, 375ml, $40.78
Brut Reserve N/V, 750ml, $60.78
Rose Grand Bouzy N/V, 750ml, $66.86
2007 Brut, 750ml, $76.43
2005 Special Club, 750ml, $104.26
2005 Comtesse Marie de France, 750ml, $113.39
The House of Bara was established in the aptly named Champagnois town of Bouzy in 1833, and has remained in family hands ever since. All their grapes are estate grown in classified Grand Cru vineyards in Bouzy, located on the famed Montagne de Reims, where Champagne’s highest quality Pinot Noir grapes are grown. Accordingly, Bara’s blends always contain a high percentage of Pinot Noir, lending them a rich, full character. Every year, Marquis brings in several wines from Bara’s range, and this year’s crop will include the non-vintage Brut and Rose, the 2006 and 2007 vintage bruts, and the prestigious Special Club and Comtesse Marie de France bottlings from 2005. Bara is a favourite among staff here at Marquis, as well as of noted wine critic Antonio Galloni, who penned this impression of the 2006 Brut:
“Smoke, slate, white orchard fruit, cherry pit and dried herbs meld together in the 2006 Brut Millésime Grand Cru. Rich, creamy and expressive in the glass, the 2006 captures the essence of Bouzy in its pure, visceral richness. Lightly honeyed and spiced notes develop on the deeply expressive, satisfying finish as the weight of the Pinot comes through with great clarity. The 2006 is 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. Disgorged: March 2015.” 93 pts. (Vinous, Nov. 2015).
