15/02/2016 – Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé

(2016) Each year I publish my 'Wines of the Year', in which I name just one favourite wine from a whole year's drinking in seven different categories. In 2015 the Rosé category was scooped by the 2014 vintage of this wine, and I have to say this 2015 is every bit as good. It's a delicate, shimmering, but personality-packed pink with grapefruit and hints of peachiness against riveting acidity in a super-fresh, gastronomic but deliciously quaffable style, and it really is a Provence benchmark. Watch the video for food matching ideas and much more information. Interestingly, it's on offer at time of writing 'en primeur' - you can buy a case now for £98, pay the VAT and duty when it is delivered before Easter, and the equivalent bottle price will be £12.89 instead of the £14.95 it will cost when it goes on sale by the normal channel.