Clos Cibonne Cotes de Provence Cuvee Tradition Rose 2021

One of the most individual, original, and characterful rose wines in the wine world are the Tibouren-based rose wines made by Clos Cibonne.  Over time, Clos Cibonne became synonymous with Tibouren and received special permission from the A.O.C. to list the grape on its labels - this is extremely rare in France where almost all wines are labeled by where the wine comes from.

Cibonne is located by the Mediterranean sea, between Marseille and Nice.  The estate’s 15 hectares of vineyards are located a mere 800 meters from the coast and the harbor village of Touron. The hilly topography terroir creates air circulation that allows for perfect maturation of the grapes and helps reduce vintage variation. After harvest, the wines are fermented in stainless steel and then aged under fleurette (a thin veil of yeast) in 100-year-old, 500L foudres.

Cibonne is a family-owned and operated winery and their history goes back a few centuries.  Cibonne was created and founded in the 17th century by Jean-Baptiste de Cibon, captain of Louis XVI's Royal Navy.  The Roux family currently own it and their ancestors purchased it from Cibon.

Grapes: 90% Tibouren, 10% Grenache
Vine age: Over 30 years
Soil: Schist
Farming: Practicing Organic
Vinification: After fermentation the wine is aged on the lees under fleurette (aka flor, like in Sherry and the Jura) for 1 year in 100-year-old foudres.

For Comparison the last Review was 2019:
93 pts Vinous
Light, shimmering orange. Intensely perfumed aromas of fresh red berries, citrus pith and pit fruits are complemented by building floral and mineral notes. Supple and energetic on the palate, offering concentrated white peach, strawberry and kumquat flavors that show sharp definition and turn firmer on the back half. Shows firm tension the impressively long, focused finish, which leaves a suave floral note behind. - Josh Raynolds