2024 Caves d'Esclans Rock Angel Rose, Cotes de Provence

A well-rounded, juicy and flavorful rosé with frozen berries, dried apricots and wild herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied with delicious, fresh and seductive flavors on the palate. Crunchy red berries and an attractive finish. Drink now.

92 points James Suckling

Few producers have done more to elevate rosé from a simple summer drink to a serious fine wine category than Sacha Lichine and Caves d'Esclans. Since acquiring the historic château in Provence in 2006, Lichine has transformed the estate into one of the world's most influential rosé producers. The success of Whispering Angel, Rock Angel and the iconic Garrus has helped redefine what premium rosé can achieve, with Provence now firmly established as the benchmark region for the style.

Rock Angel sits between Whispering Angel and Garrus in the estate hierarchy and is crafted from carefully selected Grenache and Rolle, with a portion of the wine fermented and matured in large oak barrels. This approach adds texture, depth and complexity while preserving the freshness and elegance that define great Provençal rosé. The vineyards benefit from cooling Mediterranean breezes and limestone rich soils, producing fruit with natural balance and precision.

A brilliant pale salmon pink colour introduces aromas of wild strawberry, white peach and raspberry, complemented by pink grapefruit, orange blossom and delicate hints of spice. The palate is more layered and textural than many rosés, revealing flavours of red berries, nectarine and citrus peel woven together with subtle creamy notes and a gentle mineral edge. Fresh acidity provides drive and focus, while the finish is long, savoury and remarkably refined.

Beautiful alongside grilled lobster, yellowfin tuna crudo, garlic prawns, bouillabaisse or a tomato and burrata salad with basil. Equally suited to long lunches overlooking the water or elegant dinner parties, it offers the versatility and sophistication that have made premium Provence rosé so popular around the world. Enjoy over the next three to five years as the wine develops additional complexity and texture.