2022 Château d'Esclans Côtes de Provence Garrus Rosé 750ml

Overview

Garrus is the flagship wine of Château d'Esclans and one of the world’s most prestigious and sought-after rosés. Produced in tiny quantities from a single estate parcel of nearly 100-year-old Grenache vines, the 2022 vintage combines profound concentration, new French oak complexity and the structure to develop in bottle.

Vineyard and Harvest

The fruit comes exclusively from Château d'Esclans vineyards, with a high proportion sourced from a single parcel of old Grenache vines. Estate grapes were hand-picked during the morning in September and carefully placed into small 10kg crates to protect the fruit from heat and crushing.

On arrival at the winery, every grape was assessed for condition and quality using optical sorting.

Winemaking

Following gentle crushing, the fruit was cooled from approximately 20°C to 7–8°C to preserve freshness and vitality. Closed-circuit pressing minimised oxidation and produced free-run juice.

The wine was fermented exclusively in temperature-controlled 600-litre French oak demi-muids. Bâtonnage was conducted twice weekly over an 11-month period before bottling, developing its distinctive texture, richness and integrated toasty character.

Producer Tasting Notes

Concentrated aromas and flavors of dried citrus, peaches and passion fruit give this rosé a powerful nose.

A bright acidity with glazed pear and pineapple filling the mid palate. Garrus’ toasty notes are reminiscent of a vintage Champagne without the bubbles.

A long, vertical texture with a creamy finish that features rich, spicy notes. Powerful and elegant.

Critic Reviews

96 Points – Falstaff
Tasted May 2024
Bright salmon pink. Intense nose characterised by fine oak notes, joined by rooibos, passion fruit and lime blossom. Firm, full-bodied palate, very complex, juicy structure with fleur du sel and Garrigue herbs. Creamy finish with refreshing grapefruit and some stewed quince lingering for a long time.

95 Points – Wine Enthusiast
Tasted December 2024
Pale rose gold in color the wine is robust with aromas of vanilla, ripe peach blossom, melon and wet stones. The palate is similarly decadent with vanilla leading the charge … With soaring acidity and a super long peppery finish this wine will age well.
Drinking Window: 2025–2028

95 Points – Tom Cannavan
Tasted January 2024
From a single vineyard of 100-year-old vines, Garrus is fermented and aged in new French oak, but larger 600-litre barrels … In the mouth there is immense concentration. It's a rosé with real grip and purpose, and many layers of flavour and texture.

Awards

• World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection: 2024
• Gold Medal: The Global Rosé Masters 2024

Specifications

• Vintage: 2022
• Producer: Château d'Esclans
• Wine: Garrus
• Variety: 100% Grenache
• Vineyard: Single estate parcel of nearly 100-year-old vines
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence
• Region: Provence
• Country: France
• Harvest: September 2022
• Fermentation and Maturation: 600-litre French oak demi-muids
• Lees Management: Bâtonnage twice weekly for 11 months
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Residual Sugar: 0.4g/L
• Suggested Drinking Window: 2024–2028