With a very mild winter and Spring's early arrival, we are thinking about summertime white wine and rosé earlier than we usually do. We've been busy tasting through a lot of wines and carefully selecting the best ones for our clients, so that their summers can even be more enjoyable.

One rosé in particular that we consider a summertime staple at Sokolin is the popular Chateau D'esclans Whispering Angel from Provence. Year after year, this is one of our best-selling rosés that is always a must-own item of the summer. Our customers buy this wine by the caseload every spring and summer.

The former winemaker of Mouton Rothschild entered the world of rosé at Chateau D'esclans, and their rosés are fabulous! One sip, and you'll taste the top quality of their wines.

The new 2011 Whispering Angel Rosé just arrived - and in time for all of the warm weather festivities, Easter and Passover. We opened a bottle last evening and served it with baked grey sole and roasted vegetables. Wow! This rosé is incredible! It's light, refreshing, elegant and makes us wish summer was already here. Like so many of the previous vintages, the 2011 vintage is as good as Domaine Ott, but is ½ the price! And just like the 2010 vintage, the 2011 vintage can hold its own with the very best rosés out there. At only $17.99 per bottle, it will be our house summer rosé selection that we serve to our guests. It's perfect for the BBQ, beach parties or for just sipping poolside.

The critics also have made positive statements about Whispering Angel & Chateau D'esclans. Robert Parker has said, "...the Whispering Angel is the best buy and a textbook Provencal rosé..." Wine Spectator has also said, "Sasha Lichine has found his place in the wine world...Lichine recruited an old family friend, Patrick Leon, [former] chief winemaker at Chateau Mouton-Rothschild. What they have developed is a line of rosés combining Burgundian winemaking techniques with Studio 54 marketing."

For return customers who love this wine, get it while it's available! For those of you who haven't sipped this delicious juice yet, give us a call at 800.946.3947 or email sales@sokolin.com

Our Score: 93 SP
Drinkability: A