1999 Paul Bara Brut Millesime Grand Cru Comtesse Marie de France

This wine will never be taken seriously unless it adds at least 3 or 4 more words to its name.

But oh man do I love this house, and this vintage wine is just exceptional. Zippy and fresh, it tickles at the corners of your mouth. You cannot keep a straight face drinking this wine. But it also demands to be taken seriously. Simultaneously bright and deep, I nearly cried when the bottle was empty.

We drank this at Rasika, which I am now convinced is the best all-around restaurant in Washington. I love the food, I love the service, I love the relaxed atmosphere. Oh, and I love this wine. [dance-clap.gif]

Just bought more.

Happy New Year!

You too Randy!

Neal, have you had his grand cru nv rose? I drank a bunch a couple of weeks ago and thought it plain yummy!

I haven’t but will look for some Maureen. Happy New Year!

This is a beauty! shhh…

Neal,

This was a standout at my visit last March and I bought several which disappeared amazingly fast; I think I have one left! My note should be somewhere under “March Champagne trip notes”, or something in that vein.
Actually, 1999 was a very difficult vintage for Ambonnay, which is why this wine is as nicely mature as it is now. According to the folks at the domaine, it usually needs a lot more time.

Mike, I have had a love affair with this producer for years, but this was the first bottle of the 99 Comtesse I have had. As I said above, I bought more as soon as I got home. FYI, for those in the US, PC has them in stock for $69, which is a bargain I think.

Thanks for shedding light on this fabulous producer!
Tasted a 2002 Special Club recently. It was painfully young on the tongue, but very del promissed plenty of enjoyment in some years.
Claus