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Tasting notes
From a single parcel of old-vine Grenache, plus the addition of some Rolle (Vermentino), the 2018 Cotes de Provence Rose Garrus was entirely fermented and aged in new and second fill demi-muids. It's fresher and peachier than the Les Clans, with more nuanced fruit and complex notes of peach and strawberry that are nicely complemented by the toasty oak. Full-bodied, silky in feel and long on the finish, it's a terrific rosé that has aged beautifully to this point. That said, I'd drink up any remaining bottles this summer.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Light, bright orange. Smoky, mineral-accented raspberry, tangerine, pear and floral scents are complicated by suggestions of vanilla and honey. Densely packed and gently chewy in the mouth, offering concentrated red fruit, pear nectar and blood orange flavors underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Shows fine detail and powerful, smoky thrust on the finish, which hangs on with noteworthy tenacity. - Josh Raynolds
This is the current vintage of Ch d'Esclans' top of the range rosé. Old-vine Grenache, Vermentino and Syrah. 90% free-run. Fermented in 600-litre casks, some new, with regular lees stirring over 10 months. Very pale salmon colour. Smells almost like red bordeaux! (Is it the oak ageing?) Substantial grip and power on the palate with a good dry finish. Now it's putting me in mind of white burgundy. Is it a blend of France's two most famous wine styles?! It's certainly proper, savoury wine rather than a summer thirst-quencher. Probably a bit too alcoholic for even oligarchs to enjoy round the pool but it should sit very nicely with a plateau de fruits de mer , or even an aioli. It is still youthful – so let's see how the 2015 Garrus tastes now at five years old... (JR)
I must say I do find the price of this staggering. Lightly smoky nose and nice, satiny texture and notably ripe fruit. But absolutely not a massive step up from so many Provençal rosés at a fraction of the price. I wouldn't mind a little bit more acidity. (JR)