Garrus 2022, the rosé not to be forgotten

By João Jacinto Ferreira

Considered the most iconic wine from Château d’Esclans, in the heart of French Provence, the Garrus 2022 rosé, made with Grenache and Vermentino (Rolle) grapes from a vineyard that is almost a hundred years old, will be released on the market in March. The Château d’Esclans estate, with 140 hectares of vineyards, was acquired in 2006 by Sacha Lichine, who immediately set out with the ambition of creating the best rosés in the world, thus beginning the “Renaissance du rosé” project.
Aged and fermented in large new French oak barrels for 11 months, the Garrus 2022 is a powerful and concentrated wine, firmly established as an iconic, world-class rosé. Complex yet surprisingly light, with a creamy finish and rich, spicy notes, it stands shoulder to shoulder with any top white wine or prestige Champagne.

On the nose, it is very pure. Extremely powerful, the olfactory notes express the entire personality of this wine. With a light and appealing color, on the palate it has an expressive acidity and a lightness that contrasts with its complexity. Rich and complex, Garrus 2022 has a good finish and good aging potential. A winning bet for your cellar.

Available in 75 cl, 1.5l and 3l bottles.

RRP:  €119.95 with box

Available at:  El Corte Inglés

About Château D’Esclans

The Château d’Esclans is located in the heart of Provence, northeast of Saint-Tropez, with the Mediterranean as its backdrop. This magical estate, whose vineyards cover 140 hectares of the rocky limestone slopes of the Esclans Valley, offers a bucolic setting. The château’s cellars, the oldest in the region, originally housed a medieval castle that was handed over by the Count of Provence to Gérard De Villeneuve in 1210. The current château, built in the 19th century, is inspired by the style of Tuscan villas. Sacha Lichine acquired the château in 2006 with the ambition of creating the world’s finest rosés, thus initiating the “renaissance du rosé”.

‘The classiest gift I’ve heard of’… (Excerpted Reference)

By Clare Finney

I’m convinced that the same bottle of Whispering Angel and box of Lindor chocolates have been doing the rounds among my friends for two or three years now. It’s not that we don’t like them (what’s not to like?); it’s that they are such easy gifts. Every host saves them for when they’re next a guest, in an unspoken game of Pass the Provençal Rose.

Cocktails à la Palm Royale, Season 2

1970’s Palm Beach-inspired event to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County

By Kelly Henry

Get out your favorite 1970’s Palm Beach outfit. It’s time, once again, for “Cocktails à la Palm Royale, Season 2”
The special event benefits Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. It’s set inside La Follia, one of Palm Beach’s most breathtaking private estates. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails and live entertainment.

Actress Mindy Cohn is the guest of honor at a special “Palm Royale” benefit.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County / courtesy photo

“We are so grateful for this amazing opportunity and are extremely appreciative to our sponsors and Mindy for making this possible,” says Julia Murphy, Chief Advancement Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County.

The guest of honor is Mindy Cohn, the actress who portrayed Nathalie on the classic series “Facts of Life,” and recently starred as Ann Holiday, in the popular AppleTV series “Palm Royale.” 

The show, about Palm Beach high society, stars Cohn, Kristen Wiig, Carol Burnett, Laura Dern, and Ricky Martin. It was renewed for a second season shortly after the first season ended.

The Grand Sponsor is Kenneth C. Griffin. Additional sponsors include The Colony Hotel, Whispering Angel and Kohler. Sponsorship opportunities are still available to make a meaningful commitment to supporting Habitat for Humanity’s mission of building homes for families in need.

Presidents and celebrities have stayed at this stunning hotel, and with a roof top spa, luxe suites, golf courses, fine dining, 300 acres of parkland and a family-friendly welcome, you’ll want to join them!

By Rudding Park, Harrogate

THE LOWDOWN

The 19th-century Grade I-listed Rudding Park nestles in open countryside just three miles south of Harrogate. The Mackaness family has owned it since 1972 and has developed the original country house, within 300 acres of landscaped grounds, into one of the leading hotels and leisure resorts in the UK.

Prestigious guests include former US and Soviet presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev, plus Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and the Fawlty Towers and Monty Python actor John Cleese.

Modern extensions now house 90 rooms and suites, an impressive destination spa with rooftop terrace, three restaurants, a kitchen garden, private cinema, conference and events facilities. Members and visitors can also play golf on two courses, improve their game at the Trackman Driving Range and socialise at the club house. Originally part of the forest of Knaresborough, some of the ancient oaks still grow in the parkland.

THE VIBE

After a stressful commute through Harrogate rush-hour traffic (not helped by temporary roadworks), a sense of calm descended as soon as we drove through Rudding Park’s gates. My husband and I tried to hide our less than pristine vehicle in the furthest corner of the car park, but hotel porter Chris spotted us from his golf buggy and offered us a lift with our luggage to the front door. It’s all part of the service the hotel provides for guests arriving at around 3pm check-in time.

Inside, the warm welcome continued in the airy entrance hall with a real fire flickering in the grate, eye-catching floral displays, comfy snug lounge, bold artwork and cheery reception staff. Reece chatted amiably and showed us to our room, past a rogues’ gallery of former VIP guests and through the striking library with its Insta-friendly hanging egg chair, vibrant statement sofas and armchairs, bookshelves and striped rugs.

SCOFF AND QUAFF

The wine list was impressive, with large glasses of Whispering Angel rosé for £22…

Executives from French winery to join La Goulue’s Feb. 23 food-and-wine event

By M.M. Cloutier 

La Goulue executive chef Gwen Le Pape, from left, Chateau d’Esclans’ Alexis Lichine, Jr., La Goulue founder Jean Denoyer, and La Goulue sommelier Xavier To Van Trang.

Palm Beach French bistro La Goulue is hosting a Feb. 23 food-and-wine pairing event spotlighting the southeastern France wine estate that produces the famed Whispering Angel rosé.

For the 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. affair, two special guests are on tap and they hail from Whispering Angel parent Château d’Esclans.

They are Paul Chevalier, the winery’s vice president, and Alexis Lichine, Jr., business-development manager and son of Château d’Esclans’ founder.

The two will offer insights and assist La Goulue sommelier Xavier To Van Trang as he hosts the late-afternoon event at the bistro, 288 S. County Road.

Guests will be served four wine-paired Provence-inspired tasting courses by executive chef Gwen Le Pape.

The menu starts with an amuse bouche of chilled shrimp with garlic mayonnaise and crudité; then, an appetizer featuring stuffed zucchini, yellow squash and tomato with angus beef, tomato sauce and basil.

Braised angus beef stew with olives, preserved lemon and rice pilaf is the main course. For dessert: brioche tart with orange-blossom pastry cream and pearl sugar.

Reservations are required for the event, which is $195 a person, plus tax and gratuity.

For more information, call La Goulue Palm Beach at 561-284-6292 or visit www.lagouluepalmbeach.com.

Good morning. Pass the Whispering Angel. Vacation starts now.

Game 54: Knicks 149, Hawks 148 (OT)

By Jonathan Macri

La Goulue executive chef Gwen Le Pape, from left, Chateau d’Esclans’ Alexis Lichine, Jr., La Goulue founder Jean Denoyer, and La Goulue sommelier Xavier To Van Trang.

I’m too spent for bullet points. Recapping the highest scoring game in the NBA this season would take a novella.

If ever a single basketball game was a Rorschach test for an entire season, we saw it last night at Madison Square Garden.

Regardless of what thoughts, hopes, dreams and fears you had about the Knicks going into this game, they bore themselves out over the course of 53 minutes, because 48 certainly wasn’t enough.

If you went into last night believing that the Knicks were a true blue contender, not because they’re able to run roughshod over every opponent, but because they’ve finally figured out ways to win tight games, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night believing that the Knicks were a true blue contender, not because they’re able to run roughshod over every opponent, but because they’ve finally figured out ways to win tight games, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night believing that the Knicks were frauds, destined to fail in the biggest moments because they don’t have an adequate defensive backbone and haven’t yet acquired the poise under pressure that a title contender needs, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night believing that Karl-Anthony Towns is the most gifted offensive force to ever don a Knick uniform, and there is no ceiling to how good he can be with the ball in his hands, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night believing that no team employing Karl-Anthony Towns will ever win it all because his deficiencies are just too glaring and they come out at the most inopportune times, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night believing that a win on the second night of a back to back against a feisty Hawks team, no matter how they came by it, would be a fantastic sign entering the All-Star break, this game backed you up.

If you went into last night troubled by New York’s inability to put teams away when they have them down, this game backed you up.

If you thought this team had championship mettle before last night, this game backed you up.

If you thought they had a long way to go before acquiring that rarest of sports commodities, this game backed you up.

If you had your doubts, this game backed you up.

If you’re a believer, this game backed you up.

Truly, there are no wrong answers after an inexplicable and occasionally maddening win that yielded more relief than joy.

This year we are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a fine dining mood and a special “glamour”

By Nelli Kalamara

Aigli Zappeiou welcomes the celebration of love with an exquisite fine dining menu and unique culinary experiences, under the supervision of the renowned team of chefs of the historic restaurant.

Executive Chef Dimos Balopoulos and Executive Sous Chef Giorgos Kirikos have curated an excellent menu that includes exquisite choices such as Red Shrimp Crudo with bisque and citrus, Pandaria with goat cheese, and the signature dish Beef Bourguignon with vegetables and mashed potatoes.

The menu is accompanied by a carefully selected wine pairing that includes exceptional labels: the Chateau d’Esclans 2022, an elegant Grenache-Rolle from Côtes de Provence, the aromatic Saulheim Riesling 2022 ‘Kalkstein’ from the famous Weingut Thorle in Rheinhessen, the exuberant G d’Estournel 2019 Bordeaux Blend, and for the closing, the sweet Samos Nectar 2016, an exquisite Samos Muscat.

The desserts, creations of Head Pastry Chef Alexandros Koniaris , include delicious options such as Pavlova with vanilla cream and fresh fruit and Bitter Chocolate with red fruits and a crunchy fegentine base.

The festive setting is complemented by Executive Bar Manager Dimitris Roussos’ inspired signature cocktail list, with suggestions such as the White Chocolate Martini and the Exotic Highball. The evening begins with a welcome drink of Louis Roederer Brut Collection. Valentine’s Day at Aigli Zappeio offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience in an idyllic setting, overlooking the historic center of Athens.

TOWIE cast caught up in ‘tense’ scenes as they film in Bali

Harry Derbidge was reunited with his ex Joe Blackman

By Emily Vierke

The TOWIE guys and girls might be on their way home after a trip to Bali but judging by recently released set pics we have a feeling the drama is only set to continue back on UK soil.

In the new photos from the family holiday, the likes of Harry Derbidge and Amber Turner, as well as Junaid Ahmed and Saffron Lempriere, can be seen in what can only be described as ‘tense’ scenes.

If you don’t believe us just take a look because, for quite possibly the first time ever, we don’t think we’re being over-dramatic.

Spy Amber having a cheeky glass of what we would imagine is Whispering Angel…

The luxurious Maldivian resort Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites you to celebrate love in paradise on earth . On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, hoteliers have prepared exclusive romantic offers designed to leave indelible memories. 

The couple will be offered to start the day with a floating breakfast, which is served in the villa’s private pool. Freshly baked aromatic pastries, tropical fruits and exquisite delicacies, complemented by a bottle of champagne and charming flower arrangements will mark the romantic beginning of Valentine’s Day.

Guests will then be invited to Banyan Tree Spa for a 60-minute couples massage to rejuvenate and reconnect with body and soul in keeping with ancient Asian philosophy. Experienced masseuses, top graduates of the Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy – the only one of its kind in Asia and the first to be accredited by the Thai Ministries of Education and Health – will demonstrate the art of therapeutic and relaxing massage using local herbal oils.

Sweeten the mood and raise the level of passion for lovers at a private tasting of handmade chocolate and wines. Four premium wines paired with a symphony of exquisite chocolate flavors and ripe berries will be served, at guests’ discretion, at the Naiboli Bar, Madi Hiyaa Restaurant or on the secluded shore of the lagoon.

Couples can spend Valentine’s Day evening dining on the beach under the stars or at the premium Japanese restaurant Madi Hiyaa. The secluded beachfront dinner, surrounded by flickering candles and the sound of the waves, consists of five exquisite courses and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut. The Japanese-style Sakura Omakase dinner consists of four courses and is accompanied by Whispering Angel rosé wine. Guests of the nearby Dhawa Ihuru Resort will benefit from a complimentary shuttle service to the restaurant and a 20% discount on the set menu.

Surprises and discounts await all those staying at the resort for 3 nights or more: hoteliers will give away a 60-minute massage for two, as well as a 20% discount on dinner on a private beach, a floating breakfast in the pool, chocolate and wine tasting, and dinner at Madi Hiyaa.

And all this is in the spirit of barefoot luxury and legendary service at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru.

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Indulge with the ‘Lost in Shanghai’ Brunch at Hakkasan Hanway Place

By Iro Kounadis

Hakkasan Hanway Place’s brunch series, ‘Lost in Shanghai’ has introduced a new partnership with Las Olas Spiced Rum. Launched earlier this year, the brunch is inspired by the East Asian metropolis, where elegance meets energy, for true escapism.

Guests can expect a Las Olas cocktail upon arrival, followed by a selection of dishes from the decadent set menu. To start, classic steamed and fried dim sum to share such as theHar Gau with Gold Leaf, theXO scallop and prawn shumaiand theEdamame Puffalongside the iconic HakkasanCrispy duck salad.

Main courses includeStir fry black pepper rib eye with Merlot, theSingapore Chilli Prawn, or thePeppercorn Soy Crispy Chickenwith a selection of side dishes. To end, an impressive platter featuring miniature versions of signature desserts served dramatically amidst dry ice, paired with mini Las Olas Crystal Colada. A Vegetarian version of the brunch is also available.

On the drinks side, each guest will be served a bottle of Rock Angel rose, from the celebrated Château d’Esclans winery in Provence (best known for Whispering Angel). Rock Angel’s complex and structured profile is a sophisticated offering with a Sancerre-like minerality, which is particularly well suited to the sweet and savoury notes of the modern Cantonese cuisine at Hakkasan.