Rock Angel

(2025) I have to say I always enjoy this big brother to the Whispering Angel, Rock Angel made from estate-grown fruit at Chateau d'Esclans (Grenache and Rolle), and partly barrel-fermented. That adds no perceptible 'oaky' quality beyond a slight creaminess to the aromas that are otherwise of ripe but keen red berries and hint of peach. In the mouth it is pleasingly fruity - plenty of buoyant, ripe and quite fleshy fruit - but there is some structure here. Acidity is defined, and there's a hint of spicy tannin, perhaps from the fruit, perhaps from the barrel, but adding a pleasing edge of chalky grip to the otherwise summer flavours. Rather good once again.

Light salmon pink, delicate copper reflections. A hint of strawberry, with yellow tropical fruit nuances in the background, candied grapefruit zest in the background. Powerful, red pickled cherry, fine fruit sweetness, mineral, blossom honey on the finish, a versatile companion at the table.