2017 Whispering Angel, Caves d’Esclans, Sacha Lichine, Côtes de Provence Rosé, France

2017 Whispering Angel, Caves d’Esclans, Sacha Lichine, Côtes de Provence Rosé, France

I have been tracking this wine since day one – and I mean eleven years ago when Sacha Lichine realised his dream to launch an elite Provence Rosé not just yesterday when this preview sample was delivered to my door.  As every year rolls by Whispering Angel reaches out to thousands more palates.  Nowadays millions of bottles are made, but the remarkable thing about this wine is that while its fame grows exponentially, the quality in the glass continues to march forwards, too.  Made from Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (Vermentino), Syrah and Tibouren, growing in vineyards surrounding the winery in La Motte en Provence, this is another sensual, silky-smooth, enthralling release and it comes in a vintage when there were many challenges during the growing season.  Perhaps a little more forward than the dramatic 2016, and yet more succulent, too, I can tell you that in the last few days of 2017, this wine is already drinking beautifully.  Only three months after harvest, Whispering Angel is casting its spell with unerring accuracy and it will continue to shine in the glass and impress all-comers throughout 2018.  17.5/20 (Drinking now)