Thanks to Johnny for sourcing this beauty from Hongkong. Thanks to Xiao P for nice photos.

Paul Bara 'Special Club' Brut Rose Grand Cru 2006 Champagne (750ml)

Paul Bara initiated the first-ever Special Club Rose with 2004 vintage, which is very fitting given Bara's enormous reputation of Bouzy Rouge among connoisseurs.  

* Monocru Bouzy;

* Rose d'Assemblage: a blend of 2/3 Pinot Noir & 1/3 Chardonnay, to which about 8% of

   Bouzy Rouge is added.

* Non-malo; no wood.

* Production: 2,000 - 2,500 bottles per vintage.

Tasted in April, 2013

Flaring coppery hue. Energetic beads.

Perfumed rose essence & black cherry right in your face! Followed by layers of smoke, spice, sweetmeats & ham…Still some naked alcohol there, but that does not distract us from the impetuous, alluring bouquet.

It attacks the taste buds with seduction of rose essence, moving to fleshy, gamey red fruit on mid palate, then lifted by mineral grip & dark, spicy tone of black cherry onto the finale. Vivid, taut & lifted. I really enjoy its impetuous charm right now, and I think further ageing it for mellowness would simply kill the thrill...