2023 Clos Cibonne Cuvée Simon Côtes de Provence Rouge 750ml

The 2023 Clos Cibonne Cuvée Simon Côtes de Provence Rouge 750ml is an extraordinary, savory Mediterranean masterpiece. Furthermore, the Roux family crafts this limited cuvée primarily from ancient-vine Tibouren and Syrah overlooking the sea. Consequently, this rare allocation commands premier demand and worldwide reverence among elite fine wine collectors. Every single bottle delivers an electrifying masterclass in Provençal texture and vibrant aromatics.

Additionally, the generous 2023 harvest produced grapes of extraordinary floral perfume, vibrant energy, and juicy depth. Meanwhile, Cibonne’s traditional foudre maturation built astonishing structural elegance and spice without heavy extraction. Therefore, this singular red wine stands as an indispensable treasure for serious southern French wine connoisseurs.

Terroir & Viticulture

The fruit originates from rigorously farmed organic vineyard parcels in the rugged coastal hills of Le Pradet. Specifically, the estate selected pristine old-vine Tibouren and Syrah grown on steep schist and clay slopes. The unique combination of schist bedrock and constant coastal winds preserves vibrant natural tartaric acidity. As a result, the fruit ripens with complete physiological balance and exceptional aromatic focus.

Meanwhile, the Roux family manages the estate with uncompromising devotion to living soils and chemical-free viticulture. Hand-tillage and organic practices encourage deep root exploration into fractured bedrock fissures. Furthermore, strict bunch selection and modest crop loads concentrate pure fruit sap into tiny clusters. Thus, each grape bunch captures the vibrant, authentic energy of its respective coastal terroir.

Vinification & Craftsmanship

In the cuverie, the estate vinifies with an uncompromising, purist approach to artisanal winemaking. First, workers harvest the pristine grape clusters entirely by hand at sunrise with strict table triage. Subsequently, the destemmed fruit undergoes spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Crucially, the winemakers champion gentle pump-overs and minimal extraction to safeguard sheer aromatic transparency.

Moreover, the wine matures on fine lees in ancient 100-year-old oak foudres for twelve months. The ancient wood allows gentle micro-oxygenation while completely respecting the wine’s delicate red fruit perfume. Crucially, the cellar operates entirely by gravity without mechanical pumping or temperature shock. Finally, the estate bottles the vintage without aggressive fining or heavy filtration.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, Cuvée Simon displays a luminous, translucent ruby robe with bright violet glints. Immediately, the nose opens with soaring aromas of wild garrigue, red raspberry, and dark plum. In addition, exotic undertones of tapenade, sandalwood, Asian five-spice, and crushed chalk unfold.

On the palate, the wine feels lithe, silky, and remarkably energetic throughout the entire palate. However, an incisive spine of coastal freshness frames the bright red fruit core with precision. Consequently, the finish lingers for minutes with echoes of blood orange, graphite, and savory salinity. Ultimately, it leaves an unforgettable impression of seductive charm and harmonious balance.

Technical Specifications

• Producer: Clos Cibonne
• Winemaker: Olivier Deforges
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC (Cru Classé, France)
• Cuvée: Cuvée Simon Rouge
• Varietal Blend: ~90% Tibouren, ~10% Syrah
• Farming: Certified Organic Viticulture
• Vinification: Destemmed, Native Yeasts, Gentle Extraction in Stainless Steel
• Oak Program: ~12 Months in 100-Year-Old Oak Foudres
• Clarification: Unfined & Lightly Filtered
• Vintage: 2023
• Volume: 750ml

Service & Cellar Potential

Serve this expressive red wine between 14°C and 16°C (57°F–61°F) in large Burgundy stemware. Specifically, uncork the bottle 30 minutes prior to service to let the intricate perfume awaken. Therefore, gentle aeration allows the delicate floral and spice layers to expand completely.

Pair this wine with roasted squab, milk-fed veal chops with chanterelles, or pan-seared duck breast. Furthermore, its fine-grained tannins and bright acidity ensure superb endurance. As a result, collectors can enjoy this bottle today or cellar it safely through 2035+.