2023 Clos Cibonne Tradition 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.

Clos Cibonne’s flagship Cuvée Tradition is made from 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache, harvested from organically farmed 30-plus-year-old vines, goblet-trained on clay-limestone soils. After fermentation with native yeasts, the wine is aged for a year in the estate’s large, century-old foudres, protected by a delicate veil of fleurette (thin layer of flor-yeast). This process gives Tradition its hallmark depth and savoury complexity, balanced by freshness, with the capacity to evolve gracefully for many years in bottle.

Other Reviews....
Not your typical Côtes de Provence rosé. Weighty and phenolic, with real structure behind its notes of creamed melon and blood orange. A bitter mineral spine brings form. Substantial in weight and complexity, with warm spices and sun tea on the smoky finish alongside a tug of earthiness. Tibouren and Grenache. Drink now through 2027.
91 points
Kristen Bieler - Wine Spectator