Chateau d’Esclans Rock Angel Rose 2021 – 750ml Southern Wine & Spirits

93pts James Suckling

A very pure and incisive nose, with refined mineral chalkiness to the fresh strawberry and grapefruit aromas. Again, pure is the word to describe the linear, dry palate, which delivers crisp yet textured acidity, together with elegant, freshly chopped raspberries and strawberries. A truly outstanding rosé here!

91pts Wine Enthusiast

The latest release of this wine in the range from Esclans is a ripe, full rosé. It has the crispness but the red fruits are warm and rounded. That gives a fine rosé that is definitely made for food and will be ready from 2023.

90pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Bottled just a week prior to my April visit, the 2021 Cotes de Provence Rose Rock Angel was still showing well. Scents of toasty oak and vanilla accent tangerine and peach on the nose, giving this medium-bodied rosé an almost creamsicle-like aspect. Generous, silky and long, it might be even better later this year.

Winemaker Notes

Rock Angel is partially barrel fermented in large oak barrels and made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino). This rosé bears a more complex and structured taste profile than Whispering Angel bringing it into a more premium realm giving rosé lovers a bigger and richer wine that is fabulous as an aperitif or paired with a broad range of fine cuisine. If you like the minerality of a Sancerre, you will love this wine.

About the Winery

Château d’Esclans, a magical property, is situated in the heart of Provence, northeast of St. Tropez overlooking La Vallée d’Esclans (the Esclans Valley) with the Mediterranean coast in the faint distance. The vision of Sacha Lichine (Founder) with his acquisition of the Château in 2006 was to create the greatest rosés in the world igniting the “Rosé Renaissance”.

Patrick Léon (Founding Winemaker) became an essential part of the project bringing his many years of international winemaking experience to Château d’Esclans. He introduced new and innovative winemaking techniques to Provence which revolutionized the styles of rosés being produced from this appellation. This led to the creation of a world class rosé portfolio from Château d’Esclans including Whispering Angel, Rock Angel, Les Clans, and Garrus: a new generation of rosés characterized by elegance, depth, richness and complexity. Today, Patrick’s son Bertrand currently leads the winemaking team following in the footsteps of his father.