2023 Clos Cibonne Speciale des Vignettes Tibouren Rose

Clos Cibonne is one of the most original domaines in Provence, celebrated for its dedication to the rare Tibouren grape and its unique style of age-worthy rosé. The estate, a Cru Classé of Côtes de Provence, lies just 800 metres from the Mediterranean, with vineyards framed by the Maures mountains and cooled by sea breezes and steady mistral winds, conditions perfectly suited to Tibouren’s thin skins and need for ventilation. Fifth-generation winemaker Olivier Deforges now oversees the 15-hectare, organically farmed estate.

The Cuvée Spéciale des Vignettes is Clos Cibonne’s limited production rosé, crafted from the estate’s oldest Tibouren vines (60+ years, on schist soils) with a small addition of Grenache. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for a year under fleurette (thin layer of flor-yeast) in the domaine’s historic foudres, Vignettes shows greater concentration, structure, and ageing potential than Tradition, often rewarding more than a decade of cellar time. It is considered the pinnacle expression of Clos Cibonne’s distinctive style.

Other Reviews....
Pale copper with restrained aromas of thyme flowers and wild fennel. On the palate, this restraint opens up to an explosion of ripe stone fruit, bruised peaches and apricots, some raspberry fruit and a hint of rhubarb acidity. Pomegranates and rosehips appear on the mid-palate, with barely there tannic grip and a gentle, almost gravelly acidity. The finish is long, intense, and lightly peachy with a subtle salinity. Very classy, moreish, and delivering classic Provence with an upmarket twist. Drink 2025-2035.
93 points
Elizabeth Gabay MW - Decanter

This is rosé in a different dimension. Weighty, dark and complex, with concentration to the juicy, dense notes of kumquat, tangerine and melon. Salt, tobacco and toasted sandalwood add savory tones to the round, rich palate, and red tea tannins make for a structured frame. Delicious now, but a few years in the cellar will bring even more complexity. Tibouren and Grenache. Drink now through 2028.
93 points
Kristen Bieler - Wine Spectator