The 2022 Caves d'Esclans Garrus Rosé is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest and most luxurious rosé wines, produced in Provence by Château d’Esclans under the direction of Sacha Lichine. Made primarily from old-vine Grenache and Rolle (Vermentino) sourced from some of the estate’s oldest vineyards - including parcels with vines approaching 100 years old - Garrus was created to redefine rosé as a serious fine wine category.
The wine is fermented and aged in large French oak barrels with extended lees contact, a technique more commonly associated with top white Burgundy than traditional rosé. The 2022 vintage shows remarkable concentration and texture, with aromas of dried citrus, ripe peach, apricot, melon and passionfruit layered with flinty oak, sea salt, vanilla and subtle spice. Critics including James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast awarded the wine around 95 points, highlighting its power, complexity and exceptional length.
On the palate, it is full-bodied for rosé with a creamy, richly textured mouthfeel balanced by vibrant acidity and mineral tension. Notes of nectarine, grapefruit, orchard fruit, herbs and toasted oak flow into a long, saline and remarkably persistent finish. Unlike simple Provence rosé styles, Garrus behaves more like a fine gastronomic white wine, combining depth, structure and ageing potential with the freshness and elegance of rosé.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, Garrus is the "Montrachet of rosé" - a true collector-level wine that completely changes expectations of what rosé can be. Compared to Whispering Angel or standard Provence rosé, it is dramatically more serious, textural and age-worthy. Compared to white Burgundy, it offers similar oak complexity and gastronomic depth while retaining the freshness and seductive elegance unique to top Provence rosé. The 2022 vintage is especially impressive for its balance between richness and precision. This is not poolside rosé - it’s a fine dining wine built for collectors and serious wine lovers. Drink now with decanting or cellar for 8–12+ years. Perfect with lobster, Dover sole, caviar, shellfish or refined Mediterranean cuisine.
