Whispering Angel Château d'Esclans Côtes de Provence Rosé 2023

Description

Whispering Angel has always been one of the most loved Rosé in our stores, and the new vintage is no exception. It is now a global phenomenon and it sells so fast that we struggle to keep our shelves stocked! On Long Island, New York, Whispering Angel has become so entrenched that its referred to as Hampton's Water.  

Sometimes with wine, everyone can just taste the quality, and with Whispering Angel that is certainly true.

The rolling hills of southern Provence provide the backdrop for the picturesque Chateau d’Esclans. It’s the sort of place that begs you to sit on its sun-drenched terrace with a glass of cool rosé. Nestled amongst the gnarled Grenache vines, the site and chateau were fully renovated in 2006 by new owner, Sacha Lichine. It is the old vines that really set this estate apart from its neighbours, with the higher elevated sections of the vineyards housing up to 90 year old vines, giving the wines a depth and structure that makes for some imaginative food pairing. Along with Grenache, small amounts of Rolle (Vermentino) and Cinsault are added to the mix.

Consulting winemaker is Patrick Leon, a Bordeaux native with a hugely impressive CV including 20 years with Baron Philippe de Rothschild. Lightness of touch is important here; the grapes are hand-picked and very lightly crushed at low temperatures. The flagship wine, Whispering Angel, is aged in stainless steel and offers a supremely elegant, easy drinking style.

"One day that has become a fixture in my diary is the new release of Whispering Angel – without fail my sample arrives on the 9th January each year! As you will be well aware, this Pink Titan sells like hotcakes, and in vintages gone by, it has been released on strict allocation such is the demand. Of course, production has increased significantly to slake the world’s elite rosé palate, but there seems to be no end in sight for the desire that committed rosé drinkers have for this pioneering wine. I have faith that the quality of the wine will not dip, lag or wallow and in past vintages, even with an ever-increasing order book, the flair and deliciousness have actually increased!

So with the world waiting with ice bucket and glass in hand, how good is the first taste of 2023 Whispering Angel?

"I have never really understood why so many people knock Whispering Angel Rosé. This pioneering winery raises the bar every year and this newly released 2023 is sensational. Already open and alluring, ‘23 is a precocious vintage which (for once) will hit its peak this summer and no doubt hold for a year or two after. Rose petals, rhubarb and pomegranate lead the perfume and a sensual and succulent palate follows, topped with teasing, palate-pinching acidity. Don’t knock it until you have tasted it."

Matthew Jukes