Chateâu d'Esclans - Rock Angel

16.5 Points - Jancis Robinson

"A step up the ladder from the widely distributed Whispering Angel and if anything even paler salmon pink. Very much more 'vinous' on the nose than its whispering sibling. Lots to get your teeth into here with an attractive smokiness and assertive personality. A little chewiness on the end suggests this should have a reasonable life and should stand up to food well. Is this how Whispering Angel used to taste?"

Onshore Cellars - ICONIC Producer

Château d’Escalns lies in the centre of the Department of the Var, where the majority of Provence rosé is produced. The first traces of the château’s site date back to Gaullist times during which the location served as a lookout point to spot intruders coming by boat into the Gulf of Frejus. The property was bought by Sacha Lichine, son of famous Alexis Lichine who owned Château Prieuré Lichine in Margaux, in 2006 with the intention of making the world’s best rosé. Combined with the efforts of Patrick Leon, who was previously Managing Director of Mouton Rothschild, his wines have gone on to receive international acclaim.

Sacha felt that rosé had an opportunity to become more serious in addition to being served and consumed by a broader audience. Since then he has built a world class brand while providing a strong contribution to the unprecedented growth of the rosé category.

With 44 hectares under vine Esclans, is known for its old Grenache vines, some of which are as old as 90 years in the highest vineyards. In 2006, Château d’Esclans made a few barrels of rosé from an 80 year old vineyard and the flagship wine Garrus was born.