2022 Clos Cibonne Cuvee Marius Rose Provence

One of the most profound Roses I’ve ever tasted, the 2022 Chateau Cibon Cuvee Marius is a powerful, noble, deeply textured wine that speaks with total authority. Initially reserved, it gradually opens in the glass to reveal a resonant core of wild strawberry fruit. Shades of Mediterranean herbs, sea spray, crushed chalk and wild game gain intensity and delineation with air. Where the 2022 really impresses is on the palate, pressing forward with staining density and saturating concentration. This is a blend of 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache, aged for two years in 100% new 2,600-liter foudres with regular batonnage over the first six months. That imbues the wine with mesmerizing textural intrigue. This is not to be missed. Find it, buy it, age it, enjoy it. 95 points

Notes of spices, almonds, pear and orange peel introduce the 2022 Cuvee Marius Rose, a medium- to full-bodied, dense and generous wine with a delicate tannic frame and a spicy, vibrant mid-palate that leads to a long, peppery, ethereal and mouthwatering finish. A blend of 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache Noir, it combines depth and elegance with remarkable vibrancy and precision. It is without question one of the finest roses in France and the most compelling expression of the Tibouren grape I have encountered. 94 points

Nutty cedar aromas, expecting some softly mature fruit, but instead this wine explodes on the palate with intense bitter oranges, ripe yellow peaches and some sharp-sweet wild strawberry fruit. There is no gentle dried fruit here. This is just overflowing with concentrated ripe fruit, and vibrant acidity. White flowers, exotic flowers, a hint of waxy white blossoms, some bitter almond marzipan notes, candied citrus - just amazing. Pretty white flowers rather than spice, and crunchy stone fruit. Exceptional concentration and youthfulness, backed up by weight, piercing acidity and complexity. 96 points