2022 Chateau d'Esclans Rock Angel rose

The Rock Angel rosé is a new name for the Estate wine (the wine was previously just called Ch Esclans). The Rock Angel is the big brother of the famous Whispering Angel Rose. The vineyards of Chateau d'Esclans are very conveniently located in a south-western location on a clay-like and calcareous soil. The Rock Angel is made exclusively from 70 year old Grenache and Rolle sticks. The grenache has the predominance (around 70%) in this blend. The grapes are first tasted, then picked by hand very early in the morning (so you don't get spontaneous fermentation due to the heat) and sorted up to three times by quality. Maceration between 10 and 12 gr. C resulting in a maximum of fruit and also a selection of pure 'free-run' juice and juice from a very light pressing. The is raised in oak barrels of 600 liters and a part is raised on stainless steel which is fully temperature controlled between 12 and 16 gr.

The Rock Angel is a rich and fresh mineral wine and is aromatic, fresh with white flowers with beautiful subtle herbal notes of raspberry, mandarin and cherry. The Rock Angel is a very elegant wine with a little spice and very complex. Great to enjoy with beautiful fish, sushi, spicy dishes or beautiful white meat, but also tends to a beautiful burgundy. The Rock Angel has a longer education so when the 2020 Whispering Angel comes on the market the 2019 version of the top models will be released (the Garrus, Les Clans and the Rock Angel)

The wine is firmer and (even) more complex than its sister the Whispering Angel or as Daily Mail wine critic Matthew Jukes describes it: “ It sure does Rock, the Whisperer in a leather jacket! ”.

Sacha Lichine settled in La Motte-en-Provence in 2006 and bought Château d'Esclans from a Swedish family. Sacha is the son of world famous winemaker and writer Alexis Lichine. It may sound arrogant, but his goal was to make the best rosé in the world to rival the top Montrachets. To fulfill this ambition, he left the vinification to Patrick Léon who was the winemaker of Mouton Rothschild for 23 years, with as a result, for example, Whispering Angel has been sold out in no time for years. At the end of November, Château d'Esclans was voted 'The European Winery of The Year 2014' by Wine Enthusiast magazine. It is the first time in history that a winery that mainly produces rosé wines has been awarded this 'Oscar for wines'.

” A lot of work has gone into this wine and it's remarkably sophisticated. ”
Jonathan Ray (The Spectator)

” Proves every season is rose season ”
The Daily Front Row

” Unaffected freshness, dense and long. Well crafted and elegant. ”
The Wine Spectator

” 2019 Rock Angel has found its roots. It possesses more than a little gravitas while still drinking well from the off… the finest vintage to date. 18/20
Matthew Jukes

” Rounded and rich with flavors that mingle comfortably together. Ripe aftertaste. 90/100
Roger Voss (Wine Enthusiast)

” It might be young but there's a power to this wine. It's crisp and clean on the nose, and the fruit waits until its needed. ”
Tony Harrys (Winefullness)

” A rosé with substance. Medium to full body and a creamy texture. Flavorful and beautiful. 93/100
James Suckling

” A little more soft rock than punk thanks to a little time in the barriques giving a slightly more rounded mouthful ”
Patrick Schmitt
93 points