What, you ask, is the big difference between Château d’Esclans’ two crown jewels—Garrus and Les Clans? Well, let’s start by tossing the word big out of the window. These two don’t compete; they coexist like elegant siblings who both went to top universities but chose different majors. In the glass, they’re nearly identical—pale, poised, and perfectly Provence. Garrus, however, carries a slightly softer, creamier hue, as if it spent the morning wrapped in silk rather than linen. But the real distinction lies in their upbringing.

Garrus is built for the future. Born from 100‑year‑old vines of grenache in a single, privileged vineyard, it’s fermented and raised in new, large French oak barrels. This wine is the realization of Sacha Lichine’s 2006 dream: to show the world that rosé can stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the great whites, reds, and even champagnes of the world. Not as a summer fling, but as a grand vin with gravitas. And like all great characters, Garrus doesn’t reveal itself immediately. In its youth, it can seem shy—almost introverted. You might even wonder what all the fuss is about. But give it time. Garrus rewards patience the way Burgundy rewards devotion. I’ve followed it since the 2008 vintage, and every year it grows in structure, finesse, and that magical duality of elegance and power.

The 2023 vintage continues this quiet, confident evolution.The nose opens with bright red fruit—cheerful, refreshing, and just a touch demanding. Citrus zest, peach, and passion fruit swirl in, joined by herbal notes that hint at fennel, anise, and a whisper of licorice. On the palate, a playful pink peppercorn sweetness adds mild spice, while pineapple and white pear glide through the mid‑palate. The finish is long, velvety, and irresistibly creamy.Garrus doesn’t shout. It seduces. It asks for your trust, your patience, and perhaps a little humility. Because once it finally opens up, you realize: the fuss was entirely justified.

Les Clans 2023

At first glance, Les Clans and Garrus could be twins. Same pale, ethereal Provence complexion, same poised swirl in the glass. But don’t be fooled. Les Clans has its own rhythm, its own charm, and its own very deliberate sense of fresh and fruity style.

Where Garrus is built for the future, Les Clans is built for the moment — and the moments to come. It’s crafted from old‑vine Grenache and Rolle, fermented and partially aged in oak, so with a lighter touch than Garrus. Think of it as the wine that knows how to flirt with wood without ever committing to a long‑term relationship. It’s polished, precise, and already remarkably expressive in its youth.

The 2023 vintage shows Les Clans at its most confident.The nose opens with a cascade of stone fruit — ripe peach, apricot, and a teasing hint of nectarine. Citrus zest lifts the aromatics, with delicate floral notes in the background. On the palate, the wine is broad yet graceful, offering layers of white peach, pomelo, and a subtle creamy texture that feels like silk brushed against the tongue.

There’s spice here too — a gentle, elegant spice pink peppercorn. A touch of vanilla from the oak frames the fruit without overshadowing it. The finish is long, fresh, and quietly luxurious.

Les Clans doesn’t ask for patience the way Garrus does. It’s ready to charm you now, though it certainly has the backbone to evolve.

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