The Pinnacle of Provence: Château d'Esclans Rosé 2019s
It may seem odd to label Château d'Esclans as a victim of its own success. After all, the remarkable demand for, and renown of, its Whispering Angel cuvée is the envy of every single producer of rosé in its most famous region, Provence. The only downside, for the winemakers at least, is how little lovers of rosé know about their other, most definitely superior, offerings.
For clients looking for “the best-value wine from the stable”, Côte Provence Rock Angel Rosé in the obvious contender. Partially fermented in large oak barrels, this blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle is more complex and structured than Whispering Angel. “More suitable for food than as an aperitif, it has “depth, tonality and crucially, a long dry and masterful finish” (18/20 Matthew Jukes)
Alongside Rock Angel, we also have Garrus which sits atop the range from Château d'Esclans. Powerful yet elegant, Garrus has established itself amongst connoisseurs as an iconic wine. A single-vineyard expression of 100-year-old Grenache and Rolle (Vermentino) vines, it is entirely fermented and aged in new, large French oak barrels for 11 months, Garrus represents owner Sacha Lichine's quest to craft a truly fine wine rosé.
The Pinnacle of Provence: Château d'Esclans Rosé 2019s
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Matthew Jukes (20+)
Garrus is always awesome and, every so often, it is completely unpredictable. The 2019s from Château d’Esclans are sublime and Garrus ought to be the most obviously masculine and imposing in the portfolio but, strangely, I felt that the perfume and the initial attack was positively gentle and come-hither in its composure and allure. So, I did what any right-minded person would do and relaxed into another sip. I then realised that I had been tricked! Garrus is as structured and proud as ever and yet it is sporting a kindly disguise to lull you into a false sense of security. Many will drink this wine too early, fooled by the glossiness and initial enchantment on offer. But they will soon realise that this wine’s finish is firm and unyielding, pointing to a long and graceful life - as long as you have the patience. This is a sensational vintage for Garrus and I rate it as highly as the epic 2015 and that means that this is a perfect 20/20 in my notes. Nothing comes close in 2019 (apart from its sibling, Les Clans – you can find a write-up on this wine on this website) and I have tasted hundreds of bottles. The difference between this wine and the 2015 is the ’15 was very obviously statuesque with amazing flanks and bold musculature. By contrast, this 2019 is subtle, brooding, complex and intricately perfumed. While the nose is cool and soothing, the palate is a veritable iceberg of power and equilibrium and while we can only sense the scale of grandeur of this wine, the signposts on the surface are already devastatingly attractive. You simply must buy and keep this wine for at least twelve months before you pop a cork! 20+/20Inc. GSTSG$965.13
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Matthew Jukes (20+)
Garrus is always awesome and, every so often, it is completely unpredictable. The 2019s from Château d’Esclans are sublime and Garrus ought to be the most obviously masculine and imposing in the portfolio but, strangely, I felt that the perfume and the initial attack was positively gentle and come-hither in its composure and allure. So, I did what any right-minded person would do and relaxed into another sip. I then realised that I had been tricked! Garrus is as structured and proud as ever and yet it is sporting a kindly disguise to lull you into a false sense of security. Many will drink this wine too early, fooled by the glossiness and initial enchantment on offer. But they will soon realise that this wine’s finish is firm and unyielding, pointing to a long and graceful life - as long as you have the patience. This is a sensational vintage for Garrus and I rate it as highly as the epic 2015 and that means that this is a perfect 20/20 in my notes. Nothing comes close in 2019 (apart from its sibling, Les Clans – you can find a write-up on this wine on this website) and I have tasted hundreds of bottles. The difference between this wine and the 2015 is the ’15 was very obviously statuesque with amazing flanks and bold musculature. By contrast, this 2019 is subtle, brooding, complex and intricately perfumed. While the nose is cool and soothing, the palate is a veritable iceberg of power and equilibrium and while we can only sense the scale of grandeur of this wine, the signposts on the surface are already devastatingly attractive. You simply must buy and keep this wine for at least twelve months before you pop a cork! 20+/20In BondSG$830.00
