It’s spring and that means it’s time for rosé. Sales of the pink stuff continue to rocket and we’re all out and proud rosé drinkers these days, darling. That’s not to say there aren’t some dire bottles on the shelves. Like that vile Blush Zinfandel from California (shudder) or the weirdly coloured one from the corner shop that glows in the dark and numbs your gums.
A fine rosé, though, is a wine of great beauty — and no rosés are finer than those from Sacha Lichine’s Château d’Esclans estate in Provence. The sole aim of Sacha and his partner Patrick Leon, former head winemaker at Château Mouton-Rothschild, is to produce the finest rosés in the world. Many believe he has succeeded. Indeed, the esteemed Matthew Jukes gave the latest vintage of Sacha’s Garrus a perfect 20/20.
The 2016 Sacha Lichine Single Blend is a charming blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. It’s crisp, fresh, vibrant and thirst-quenching. There’s wild strawberry, herbs and a touch of spice — I can’t imagine a finer everyday rosé. £9.95, down from £10.95.
The 2016 Whispering Angel is a pale pink blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (also known as Vermentino) that has everything: succulent hedgerow fruit, creamy citrus notes, keen acidity and a long, dry finish. One sip and you’re at a Provençal poolside. £15.95, down from £16.95.
The 2016 Rock Angel is more serious. Jancis Robinson chose the previous vintage as her top premium rosé and this is even better. A blend of Grenache and Rolle with a touch of oak, it’s full of wild strawberries, cream, herbs, spice and, well, sunshine. It has weight and character too. £20.95 down from £21.95
The 2015 Les Clans takes rosé to a different league.
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