2006 Paul Bara Bouzy Rouge

At the southern end of the Montagne de Reims. Pinot Noir from 100% grand-cru villages. Bara have 30 different parcels. The vines are over 50 years old and the juice was fermented in small vats. South facing, sheltered from north winds. Bouzy Rouge's job is usually to make champagne pink but it is also bottled as a varietal red. Lightish ruby. Complex, herbal, almost a little minty, touch of olive. Light in the mouth and dry but not too drying even though the tannins are still suprisingly present. Quite herbal on the palate too but not green. Some undergrowth, gently mature aromas, fresh, but tannins are a little more angular than I would expect after 10 years. Rather tart overall – more interest than pleasure though the wine found some fans among the tasters. (JH)