2025 Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose

Sacha Lichine settled in La Motte-en-Provence in 2006 and purchased Château d'Esclans from a Swedish family. Sacha is the son of the world-famous winemaker and author Alexis Lichine. It may sound arrogant, but his goal was to create the best rosé in the world, one that could rival the top Montrachets. To achieve this ambition, he left the vinification to Patrick Léon, Mouton Rothschild's winemaker for 23 years. As a result, Whispering Angel, for example, has sold out in record time for years. At the end of November, Château d'Esclans was named 'European Winery of the Year 2014' by Wine Enthusiast magazine. This is the first time in history that a winery that primarily produces rosé wines has been honored with this 'Oscar for Wines'. The Whispering Angel is one of the most popular rosés internationally and, alongside the cult rosé Garrus, the wine that earned Château d'Esclans worldwide fame. This rosé owes its name to the small chapel on the estate, where two whispering angels are depicted on the wall. This image also appears on the Whispering Angel's label. Region, climate and location The vineyards are located in the Côtes de Provence, where sunny days alternate with the cooling influences of the sea and mistral. The soils consist primarily of clay and limestone, which contribute to freshness and structure. The Mediterranean climate produces ripe fruit, while nighttime cooling maintains tension and aromatic clarity. This combination is essential for a rosé with balance and length. Whispering Angel and the 20th Anniversary Whispering Angel played a key role in the international revaluation of rosé and is considered a benchmark within the Côtes de Provence. The 2025 vintage marks Whispering Angel's 20th anniversary and will be released as a special Anniversary Edition. This edition features a revised presentation with a checkered capsule and the return of the iconic angels to the label. The anniversary packaging reflects two decades of influence and recognition, while the wine's style remains true to its signature freshness, precision, and elegance. Vineyards The grapes come from select plots across the appellation, with clay and limestone soils. These soils restrict the vine's vigor and contribute to aromatic concentration. By working with multiple vineyards, the blend can be fine-tuned for freshness, texture, and balance. Grape varieties and composition The blend consists of Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle, and a small amount of Syrah. Grenache provides ripe fruit and volume, Cinsault adds finesse and freshness, Rolle adds structure and tension, while Syrah contributes subtle spice. The composition focuses on a dry style with refined body. Harvest Harvest takes place at night to preserve freshness and aromatic precision. The lower temperatures maintain vibrant acidity and limit oxidation. After harvest, an optical sorting takes place to select only perfectly ripe grapes. Vinification After gentle pressing, fermentation follows at a low temperature. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks, with maturation in tank for approximately three months. This approach focuses on preserving primary aromas, clear fruit expression, and a precise structure, without the influence of wood. Maturation Maturation takes place entirely in stainless steel. No wood is used, so that freshness, texture, and aromatic clarity remain paramount. The wine is bottled relatively young to preserve its vibrant style. Color, smell and taste The color is a very light salmon pink. The wine is expressive on the nose, with notes of citrus and red fruit, supported by a fresh and lively impression. On the palate, the wine is remarkably smooth and silky, with fine persistence. The fresh acidity provides structure and ensures an energetic, precise finish with distinct tension and length. Development and drinking window Whispering Angel 2025 is meant to be enjoyed young, when freshness and aromatic clarity are at their peak. The wine typically retains