Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Est. in 1861, first winery in the Napa by Prussian-born Charles Krug. Today the winery remains under the leadership of the Peter and Marc Mondavi, whose family purchased winery in 1943. Fruit sourced mainly from five family estates in Yountville, deep Ruby with ripe dark berry scents and sweet spice. On the palate flavors of sweet blackberry and cherry with leather, cacao and vanilla oak. Soft tannins, long ending with toasty oak and fruit! Very nice! — 10 days ago

Jeffrey Woo

8.9

Light ruby hue. Aromas of cherry, cream, grass, minerals, and smoke. Medium-light body, soft tannins, and plus acidity. Bright and balanced with a lasting finish. A little tight at first, but softens after opening a while with hints of vanilla on the palate. — 2 years ago

Stephen Redenbaugh

9.2

Nice light lemon color and citrus/lemon notes on the nose. Tons of tiny active bubbles. A bit clunky, but vibrant balanced mid-palate. Weightier than anticipated, but lots going on... pear, ripe apple, Meyer lemon and a touch of toasty fresh baked bread. Lacking the weightlessness and elegance of France, nonetheless a fun companion with King Crab Legs on an early Spring evening. — 3 years ago

Robert Rothfield

9.2

Bright fruits, energetic — 3 years ago

Jae Cho

9.2

First time tasting the ‘19 vintage, and the Produttori edged out one of my fave under the radar barolistas this early on. Maybe because it released sooner? Both red fruited with sour cherries and elegant tamed tannin/acid, but the Produttori had another gear of sweet incense and hard candy. The vintage does remind me of a more approachable’13 from a tannin perspective. — a month ago

Patti Petree

9.0

At Harold’s house — 2 years ago

Petar Radakovic

9.0

One of the best wines under $10. Nice and smooth, flavorful blend. Very easy to drink and at $7 a bottle it’s a steal. — 3 years ago

Lauren B

9.4

Dark and buttery. — 4 months ago

Robin Bundy

9.1

That kinda night! Opened up a 2009 just because. A little dry, but held up nicely. Very enjoyable. — 6 months ago

Vanessa

8.9

When the weather is in the 80s, an aquatic happy hour is in order!

We’re excited to try this rosé, made primarily from the Tibouren grape, coming from the Côtes de Provence AOC of France.

Clos Cibonne has been in the loving hands of the Roux family since 1793. Due to the hard work and dedication of this family, the vineyard from which this wine comes was among the 18 designated “Cru Classés” in the Côtes de Provence 1950 classification, an indication of its quality. You may attribute Tibouren’s inclusion in the list of legally-permissible varieties in the Côtes de Provence AOC to the Roux family, as well.

This rosé is 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache. It was made by direct press, giving it a paler hue, fermented in stainless steel, and aged biologically for 12 months in large, 100-year-old oak foudres under a thin layer of yeast (known as a “fleurette”), a process similar to that used to create Fino Sherry in Spain (where the “fleurette” is called the “flor”).

The result is a crisp, elegant expression with delicate lemon, gooseberry, white peach, chamomile, blanched almond, and clay notes. It also has a savory element that I’m having a hard time putting my finger on, perhaps it’s soft white cheese, along with great structure and texture.

Clos Cibonne, Tibouren, Cru Classé, Côtes de Provence, Vintage 2018, ABV 13.5%. — 3 years ago

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