This past Friday we were lucky enough to have the winemaker from Chateau D'Esclans at our tasting room to taste through their current Rosé releases.
D'Esclans is owned by Sacha Lichine, a very well-known figure in the wine world. He bought the chateau in 2006 with a clearly stated ambition "to make the Best Rosé Wines in the World." To go about achieving that goal he brought in Patrick Léon as the consulting oenologist. Patrick has an extensive resume working for some of the best chateaux in Bordeaux, and is probably best known for his work at Chateau Mouton Rothschild.
D'Esclans has four different Rosé's in their line-up ranging from $17.99 all the way up to $99.95. It's fun to taste all the cuvees side by side as you can really detect the different nuances in each.
Here are my tasting notes:
2010 Whispering Angel: This is their introductory wine and it is a steal for $17.95! Picked from the ripest vines on the property, this is the only cuvee made in stainless tanks. It has nice floral notes and is fresh and vibrant on the nose. Very well balanced, this is a light and refreshing Rosé. It can definitely hold its own with the very best Rosés.
2009 Esclans: Esclans is the second label in the d'Esclans flight. This cuvee is done in partial oak vinification. It's 85% Grenache & 15% Rolle. On the nose you can defintely pick up the subtle oak flavors. This has more complexity than the Whispering Angel - overall an excellent, mid-level Rosé.
2009 Les Clans: Les Clans is the first in the higher-end cuvees. It is produced from 50 to 80 year-old vines and is comprised of 75% Grenache and 25% Rolle. This one really picks up the intensity with berry, dark plum and a little spice. Creamy & buttery with a long minerally finish.
2009 Garrus: Their top-of-the-line Rosé, it comes from 100% 80 year-old vines. It's 70% Grenache and 30% Rolle. Only a couple of barrels are produced and it can age for years. Very creamy with hints of pineapple and citrus. Great minerality, this drinks like a high-end Burgundy. If you tasted this blind you would never guess it was a Rosé!
Since '06, every vintage has been fantastic. While we're waiting for the 09s/10s to arrive, grab up the few bottles we have left of 06.
I highly recommend picking up a few bottles of each cuvee and experience what a great wine-maker can do with Rosé.
2006 D'Esclans - $29.99
2006 D'Esclans Les Clans (91 WS) - $69.00
2009 D'Esclans Whispering Angel (92 DS) - $17.99