Club Corner
Rosé Club October 2026
Clos Cibonne Cuvée Tradition 2024 First off, our bad for intimating, in last month’s notes, that the September’s selection would be the final bottling of the season. October, frequently the warmest month of the year here in SF, clearly deserves a dedicated shade of pink all its own. So, by way of apologizing for our error (and for it technically being November now), we have a real treat for you in this, the actual final installment of 2026. Back in May 2025, we featured two rosés composed in part of the rare Provencal varietal Tibouren. Here’s what we said about it then: “A thin-skinned black grape thought to have originated in Mesopotamia, Tibouren is distinguished by its intensely aromatic nose and herbal palate (a combination often called ‘garrigue’ in wine, after the Mediterranean vegetation, and denoting flavors of bay leaf, thyme, rosemary and sage), and various difficulties associated with its cultivation. Tibouren tends to produce irregular yields and is highly susceptible to coulure or “shatter,” which is when the grape fails to develop after flowering due to the plant’s metabolic response to extreme or unseasonal weather conditions. The mild and consistent climate along the Mediterranean coast thus provides its most propitious conditions, but even here, we’re talking about truly miniscule quantities.” Both of those bottles contained no more than 15% Tibouren however, the majority being made up of familiar Rhone varietals like Grenache and Mourvedre. What we have here instead is the only Tibouren-dominant rosé in existence as far as we know: Clos Cibonne’s iconic, one-of-a-kind flagship Cuvée Tradition. Legendary amongst wine collectors for its texture, substance, and ability to age gracefully for a decade or more, it is a limited wine made exclusively with estate-grown, organic Tibouren grapes, and a bit of grenache to meet Côtes de Provence blending guidelines. The key to its singularity is the fact that the wine is aged in century-old foudres under a veil of flor, a technique more commonly associated with the Jura or Jerez. The result is an utterly unique, complex, and transportive experience, redolent of the stunning Mediterranean land and sea scapes from which it hails. Indeed, if forced to drink only one rosé for the rest of our lives, we very well might choose this one - and not even lament our cruel fate all that much. See you in 2027 and… Think Pink! The PlumpJack Wine & Spirits Team Clos Cibbone Cuvee Tradition 2024 Region/Country of Origin: Cotes de Provence, France About the Winemaking: The vineyard, one of 18 Crus Classés of Côtes de Provence, consists of traditional goblet trained vines located close to the Mediterranean Sea in the foothills of the Maures mountains, overlooking Toulon’s harbor. The microclimate of Clos Cibonne is especially important to the uniqueness of the wines, as the proximity of the ocean brings much needed cool air to the vineyards in the summer months. Their location at the foot of the Maures mountains ensures good east-west ventilation, which is ideal for the health and balance of the vineyard. After an early morning manual harvest, the grapes are destemmed and directly pressed. The must goes into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, which are cooled to slow the fermentation process. After fermentation with native yeasts, the wine is racked into 120+ year-old foudres, where it ages biologically on the fine lees for one year sous-voile, under a thin veil of fleurette. Tasting Notes: “The 2024 Rosé Cuvée Tradition is a wild, exotic wine. Aged sous-voile in foudre for one year, this blend of 90% Tibouren and 10% Grenache unleashes a heady array of beeswax, stewed peach, chamomile, toasted bread and wild herbs. It’s a waxy, enveloping, utterly distinctive Rosé that is very much on the cerebral side, and also pushing the limits of VA. Quite honestly, the Tradition is unlike anything else I’ve ever tasted. Readers who haven’t tasted these wines before owe it to themselves to do so.” (BN) (Vinous.) Winemaker: Olivier Deforges Price per bottle /varietal $46.99 100% Tibouren Suggested Food Pairing: Grilled branzino with olive oil and lemon, Niçoise salad, Scallops, Goat cheese, Bouillabaisse
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May 2025 Rosé Club
Have we talked about Tibouren? The Provence region of southern France is, by any measure, the center of all things rosé. It produces more pink wine than any other place on the planet, including the category’s most prestigious iteration in Bandol; its glittering Mediterranean coastline, known as the Cote D’Azur or French Riviera, is the message most bottles aspire to send. Needless to say, we've been here a bunch before in Rosé Club, but I’m not sure we’ve ever talked about Tibouren. Almost all Provencal rosés are composed of grapes you’d also find next door in Rhône blends, and many other places - Spain, the US, Australia, South America - besides: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvedre, Bandol’s calling card, which must make up at least 50% of all the AOC’s reds and rosés. The only varietal that really belongs to Provence is the aforementioned Tibouren, which you could say is almost* exclusively associated with the area, except for the fact that almost nobody has ever heard of it in the first place. A thin-skinned black grape thought to have originated in Mesopotamia, Tibouren is distinguished by its intensely aromatic nose and herbal palate (a combination often called ‘garrigue’ in wine, after the Mediterranean vegetation, and denoting flavors of bay leaf, thyme, rosemary and sage), and various difficulties associated with its cultivation. Tibouren tends to produce irregular yields and is highly susceptible to coulure or “shatter,” which is when the grape fails to develop after flowering due to the plant’s metabolic response to extreme or unseasonal weather conditions. The mild and consistent climate along the Mediterranean coast thus provides its most propitious conditions, but even here, we’re talking about truly miniscule quantities. Our two bottles this month are among the very few that feature this most elusive vin-gredient, and in both cases Tibouren makes up no more than 15% of the blend. The garrigue still manages to sprout out though - and if you’re curious one of the producers here, Clos Cibonne, is arguably tighter with Tibouren than any other vigneron in the world. They’ve been cultivating it for decades, and make the only Tibouren dominated rosé and red bottlings I’ve ever come across. They are both a little too pricey for club placement, but absolutely worth trying, and available via the PlumpJack website or at the Noe Valley location. Think Pink! The PlumpJack Team *Tibouren is genetically identical to Rossesse, which is grown and bottled down the road in Liguria, in the Italian Riveria. Clos Cibonne Tentations Rosé 2024 Region: Côtes de Provence, France About the Vineyard: “Tentations” comes from the Schist-rich soils in La Crau and Carqueiranne; in a Mediterranean climate moderated by sea breezes. About the winemaking: The fruit for this cuvée, which is a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, 15% Tibouren, is grown by vigneron neighbors with whom Clos Cibonne has long-standing relationships. The Tibouren comes from the fruit of young vines at Clos Cibonne that does not make it into the estate wine. Grapes are direct-pressed, and the must is fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks and aged on the lees for two months. Tasting notes: Pale salmon pink with aromas of strawberry, grapefruit peel, and dried herbs. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with subtle texture from lees aging and a clean, saline finish. Winemaker: Olivier Deforges Price per bottle/Price per case: $24.99 btl/ $269.89 Suggested Food Pairing: Provençal vegetables, tuna niçoise, shrimp skewers, olives and anchovies. Domaine Houchart Rosé 2023 Region: Côtes de Provence, France About the winery: Domaine Houchart is situated at the foot of Mount St. Victoire near Aix en Provence. Its sun-soaked terroir and vineyards sheltered from powerful Mistral winds set the stage for first-class winemaking. Rejuvenated in 1890 when purchased by Aurelien Houchart, the estate was later named after him by his great-great granddaughter, Genevieve Quiot. Today, Domaine Houchart is owned and run by Genevieve's children, Florence and Jean-Baptiste Quit. Consistently over delivering on quality, Famille Quit family brings versatile, well-rated, food-friendly wines to the glass. About the winemaking: This is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Tibouren. Pneumatic pressing at 10°C. Stainless steel vats at 18°C. Tasting notes: This classic Provençal Rosé is focused, fresh and lively at an exceptional price point. Bursting with flavor from the first sip, this lively, crisp wine gives both intense acidity and great fruitiness. It's bright, with a line of fresh red currant flavors that are delicious and drinkable right now. Winemaker: Jean-Baptiste and Florence Quiot Price per bottle/Price per case: $15.99 btl case available upon request Suggested Food Pairing: Grilled salmon, leafy green salads, pork and poultry, sushi, or as an aperitif.
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June 2024 Rosé of the Month Club
For over 2,600 years, the production of wine has thrived in the South of France, starting from when the Greeks established Marseille in 600 BC. The cultivation and crafting of wine in Provence have been shaped by various cultures throughout its history. These include the Ancient Greeks, Romans, Gauls, Catalans, and Savoyards, who all contributed to the region by introducing a wide range of grape varieties. These encompass grapes of Greek and Roman roots, alongside Spanish, Italian, and traditional French wine grapes. Provence experiences a traditional Mediterranean climate, with its southern border being formed by the sea. The winters are mild, followed by hot summers and minimal rainfall. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with the grapevines receiving more than 3,000 hours of sunlight each year, twice the necessary amount for the grapes to fully ripen. However, this abundance can have a negative impact if vineyard owners are not cautious, as it can potentially lead to over ripening of the grapes. The viticulture in Provence is influenced by the strong mistral wind that blows from the north. This wind has both positive and negative effects - it can cool the grapes during hot weather and dry them after rain, offering some protection against rot and grape diseases. However, if vines are not properly secured and protected by hillside landforms, the mistral wind can also cause damage. In areas where the wind is particularly strong, it is ideal to have vineyards on south-facing hillsides, as the hills provide some shelter from the strength of the mistral. The choice of grape varieties planted also plays a role in these areas, as south-facing slopes receive the most sunshine, which can easily over-expose delicate and early ripening varieties. Such varieties would be better suited on north-facing slopes in the warm climate of Provence. Provence has nine wine appellations with AOC status. The Côtes de Provence (featured this month) is the largest followed by Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence. The other 6 AOC are Les Baux-de-Provence, Pierrevert, Bandol (featured this month), Cassis, Bellet and Palette. The geographical boundaries of the Bandol AOC coincide with the cultivation of 8 communes that possess soils rich in silica and limestone minerals. This highly favorable soil composition, in combination with the warm and coastal climate, creates the perfect conditions for the late maturation of the Mourvèdre grape, which is a predominant variety grown in the region. In the production of both red and rosé wines, it is mandatory for Mourvèdre to comprise at least 50% of the blend, although many winemakers prefer to incorporate a larger percentage. Additional grape varieties such as Grenache and Cinsaut are commonly used to complete the wine's overall composition. Think Pink! Carrie Upson- General Manager/Wine Buyer Grimaud Fleur de Provence Rosé 2023 Region/Country of Origin: Cotes de Provence, St- Tropez, France About the Winery: Located at the entrance to the village, the Cave Coopérative des Vignerons de Grimaud is one of the oldest companies in the Commune and certainly the most important in its sector of activity in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Clinging to the slopes overlooking the Gulf, the vineyard benefits from unique sunshine and beautiful maritime influences conducive to its development and essential for the quality of our rosés. Its terroir, heterogeneous but predominantly sandy-shale and limestone, allows the roots to penetrate deep, making the vines less sensitive to lack of water, also favoring the finesse of the aromas and complexity. The vines benefit from deep soils; they are mainly planted with Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Rolle. Each grape variety is skillfully planted on the most appropriate part to allow it to fully flourish. About the Winemaking: All of the grapes go direct to press with minimal skin contact, leading to a pale salmon color and a subtle grip. The must was fermented cold, preserving the freshness of floral aromatics and vibrant fruit intensity. 60% Grenache, 40% Cinsault. Tasting Notes: Soaring aromatics of watermelon, strawberry, raspberry and rose petal jump from the glass. Flavors of cherry, watermelon and kirsch lead to a wonderful burst of refreshing acidity on the finish. Winemaker: Founded in 1932, with 112 cooperating partners, the Cave today brings together more than 270 members spread across the 12 municipalities of the Gulf of St Tropez. Price: $17.99 btl/$194.29 case Suggested food pairing: Fried Chicken, Pepperoni Pizza, Couscous w/roasted veggies. Moulin del la Roque Les Hauts du Vallon Bandol Rosé 2023 Region/Country of Origin: Bandol AOC, Provence, France About the Winery: Founded in 1950 by the winegrowers of la Cadière d’Aazur, St-Cyr-sure-Mer and Sanary-sur-Mer, the Moulin de la Roque cellar was initially designed for the oak barrel maturing of Bandol red wines. In 1964, through the efforts of the winegrowers and following numerous alterations, it became a wine production center. About the Winemaking: Grapes are harvested manually and de-stemmed to avoid harsh tannins. The grapes are transferred to pneumatic presses and the juice flows into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Following alcoholic fermentation, there is a lengthy vatting period of 20-30 days to allow the young wine to come into its own. 62% Mourvedre, 22% Grenache, 16% Cinsault. Tasting Notes: In the glass, Les Hauts du Vallon Rosé reveals a delicate pale pink hue, reflecting the wine's finesse. The nose is a bouquet of summer aromas, with notes of ripe strawberries, citrus blossoms, and a touch of mineral freshness. On the palate, the wine unfolds with flavors of red currants, peaches, and a hint of Provencal herbs. The mouthfeel is crisp and refreshing, leading to a dry and lingering finish that leaves a subtle impression of Mediterranean salinity. Winemaker: Moulin de la Roque is the work of a group of winegrowing families united in the same goal. Since its foundation in 1950, they have worked together in a cooperative and supportive spirit. Price: $23.99 btl/ Case available by special order only Suggested Food Pairing: Nicoise salad, Hummus and pita chips, Grilled herbed chicken, fish tagine.
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July '23 Rose Club
Rosé is not just the trendy wine of the 21st century. When the Greeks planted the first grapevines in Provence 2,600 years ago, they were already making rosé! This was because wine-making techniques in those days were different: the method of macerating red grapes, which gives red wine its color, was unknown or, at the least, very uncommon. Wine made from red grapes was therefore rosé. In other words, Provence is the oldest wine region in France, and rosé is the oldest known wine! Located in southeastern France, with its boundaries being roughly the Rhône River to the west, Italy to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Provence has a varied, yet primarily limestone landscape, with a climate that is sunny, hot, and dry, characteristic of the Mediterranean. Their famous Mistral winds ferociously sweep across the region from the Alps, which is welcomed during the summer months. It also protects the vineyards from diseases caused from humidity. Phocaeans brought the grapevine to the area around 600 BC. The ingenious Romans came some four centuries later with their roads, arches, and numerals, spreading the wine growing tradition to other parts of France, which at the time was known as Gaul. When the Roman Empire died, so did the grapevines. A mind-boggling 88% of wine produced in Provence is rosé, with only 8.5% red and 3.5% white. Approximately 96% of all Provencal wines are made in three appellations: Cotes de Provence, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, and Coteaux Varois en Provence. Provence represents 39% of domestic rosé production and 5.6% of the world’s production. 16% of Provence’s rosé wine is exported, with the United States of America being the biggest buyer, followed by the Belgians. Les Sarrins Rosé set out to leverage Bruno Paillard’s expertise in the region to produce a wine that is Pure Provence; a wine that shows off the best attributes of this appellation, making it synonymous with the greatest rosé in the world. Only grapes from the top parts of the AOP are selected for their production. Chateau d’Esclans, a magical property, is situated in the heart of Provence, northeast of St. Tropez. With his acquisition of the Château in 2006, Sacha Lichine’s vision was to create the greatest rosés in the world, igniting the “Rosé Renaissance”. Now in its sixteenth vintage, Château d’Esclans is home to Whispering Angel, and we’re introducing you to their newest wine; The Pale Rosé by Sacha Lichine. Think Pink! Carrie Upson- General Manager Les Sarrins Côtes de Provence Rosé Region/Country of Origin: Provence, France About the Winery: Half way between the foothills of The Alps and The Mediterranean, Domaine des Sarrins nestles in the hills of Haut Var, near Lorgues, in a small village called Saint Antonin du Var. It is set in over a hundred hectares of pine and oak woods and olive groves, which surround small islands of vines, planted where the undulating hills allow. Respect for the land is, for the Paillard family, a philosophy, not a marketing ploy. The “organic viticulture” certification they achieved is a coherent choice. The vines and Château des Sarrins are all worked without the use of weed killers, with a special focus on plowing, and the use of certified natural fertilizers only. About the Winemaking: A blend of Mourvèdre, Rolle, Cinsault, Grenache. Vinification takes place in stainless steel tanks at moderate temperatures and then cooled to avoid malolactic conversion producing a bright, crisp wine. Once the grapes arrive at the cellar, they are sorted manually and then go through optical eye sorting. All grapes which go into vinification are perfectly de-stemmed and resemble each of the correct physical characteristics dictated by the winemaker. Tasting Notes: Color: Pale pink in color, pale rose petals, bright and clear. Aroma: Fine and delicate, with white fruit aromas combined with citrus notes and floral nuances. Taste: The attack is ample and fresh with notes of peach, strawberry, and a long finish with violet notes. Winemaker: Jonathan Martinet Price: $21.99 btl/ $237.50 Suggested food pairing: Oysters on the half shell, Bouillabaisse, Pissaldière, BBQ pork ribs The Pale Rosé by Sacha Lichine 2021 Region/Country of Origin: Provence, France About the Winery: Château d’Esclans is located on an exceptional site on the Mediterranean coast. The first traces of the château’s site date back to the times of the Gauls, when it served as a lookout point to spot intruders coming by boat into the Gulf of Frejus. The château’s cellar structure (the oldest in the region) housed an original Château in 1201. The current château, whose design is inspired by a Tuscan villa, was built during the mid XIX century. About the Winemaking: From the best terroirs from the Var Region, The Pale rosé is made from grapes sourced from amongst the most choice vineyards in the region. Harvesting is conducted during the night time to avoid the heat of the day and to keep the crop fresh. The Pale is vinified in temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation tanks, remaining on the lees in order to give extra texture to the juice. Tasting Notes: Aroma: An expressive wine both inside and out and bears great aromatic freshness on the nose. Palate: This rosé wine has subtle, fruity notes with hints of peach and pink grapefruit. Its elegant palate pairs perfectly with its colorful and playful label. FInish: While The Pale is bone dry, the finish is soft and creamy with undeniable elegance. Winemaker: Jean-Claude Neu Price: $17.99 btl/$194.30 case Suggested Food Pairing: Arugula salad with strawberries and goat cheese, Garlic herbed clams, Herb roasted chicken and buttery mashed potatoes.
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April '23 Rosé Club
Imagine the following scenario: you are surrounded by a group of the most convincingly French people you’ve ever met - each hailing from a different region of the country, wielding a bottle of their childhood rosé and remonstrating, in charmingly accented, floridly idiomatic English, on its behalf. You can choose only one to enliven your occasion; how do you decide? The very same way you get to La Place de La Revolution: praxis, praxis, praxis! Rosé club provides the background - history, methodology, ideology - for each bottle; you drink it and choose accordingly. The good news is there are no wrong answers, no losers, no Thermidor, in this particular pink tide - and for April we are featuring two of the strongest opposing forces, Provence and Rhône, mobilized for your support. The only reactionary move here is not to participate. Pensez Rose! The Gassier family are instrumental in the history of Provence. Since the 17th century, the family distinguished themselves in the service of royalty as well as in legal and academic circles. But it is the younger branch of the family, based in Saint Estève de Var, whom provide the wine connection. From the turn of the 20th century, patriarch Raymond Gassier owned 200 hectares around the region. Raymond was briefly married to Colette Mars, a singer and actress of the time, who, in 1938, encouraged him to claim his title of nobility so that he became known as Baron Raymond Marius Gassier of Saint Estève. This proved a heritage of high lineage, associated with the kingdoms of France and Spain. Anthony Gassier, who adored horses and rode for various prestigious French stables, eventually abandoned his equestrian career to devote himself to the family vineyard. His search for great terroir in Provence led him to Sainte-Victoire, where he fell under the spell of the Mountain and founded Château Gassier. His son Georges, representing the 5th generation in the Gassier family’s wine lineage, took over the Château property in 1997. Olivier Souvelain joined Château Gassier in 2010 and was entrusted with the task of restructuring the vineyards and buildings as well as preserving the domaine and its environment, and the vineyards underwent organic conversion in 2016. Owned by father and daughter team Paul and Laurence Féraud, Domaine du Pégau is one of the great estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The benchmark producer of traditionally-styled Châteauneuf, Pégau is justifiably ranked among the greatest wines in the world.The Férauds have been growing vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape since 1670, with titles to their earliest vineyards dating back to 1733. They also grew cherries and olives, but sold the bulk of their production to top négociants (Jaboulet-Aine, David & Foillard, Guigal) until 1964, when Paul decided to sell 5,000 bottles on his own label. Laurence studied business and marketing in Paris, and after various jobs in wines sales, returned to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to help manage the family estate. Laurence was full of ideas, and to differentiate themselves, proposed creating a family domaine with a unique name and label. She and Paul launched Domaine du Pégau in 1987, naming the estate after the terracotta jugs used in the Pope’s summer residence that gave the village its name. Though the estate has scaled great heights and now includes nearly 52 acres under vine, it is a hallmark that the winegrowing remains deeply traditional and has changed very little in the past 150 years. Think Pink, Carrie Upson General Manager Château Gassier “Esprit Gassier” Côtes de Provence Rose 2022 Region/Country of Origin: Côtes de Provence, France About the Vineyards: Nestled in the foothills of the Montagne de Sainte-Victoire, at some of the highest elevations found in Provence, are the vineyards of Château Gassier. In 1982, the Gassier family, originally from Barcelonnette, Haute-Provence, and descendants of the Provençal nobility since 1421, bought the property and the 40 hectares of vines in the village of Puyloubier. About the Winemaking: Mechanical harvests at dawn. Direct pressing, settling, and low fermentation temperature. Tasting Notes: Clear, pale, peach hue with a salmon pink core. The nose opens up with subtle notes of red berries which give way to more intense aromas of citrus fruits and dried mango after a few swirls in the glass. The palate is underpinned by distinctive notes of Corsican clementine and grapefruit. The finish is beautifully fresh with lingering menthol notes. Winemakers: Georges Gassier Price per bottle / Price per case: $24.99 / Suggested Food Pairing: Zucchini fries, Fig & goat cheese tarts, Garlic shrimp Pink Pegau 2021 Rosé Region/Country of Origin: Vin de France with some grapes from Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages About the Winery: Vineyards are situated in Sorgues, along the Rhône. 101+ acres of Côtes du Rhone Villages (nearly 62 acres), Côtes du Rhone (12+ acres), and Vin de Table (27+ acres) planted in deep, stony, clay soils marked by round galets that characterize the Chateauneuf-du-Pape area. About the Winemaking: From vines averaging 35 to 60 years in age. Manual harvest. Direct pressing, with no maceration. 1-month fermentation in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. No malolactic conversion. Bottled after 2 months in tank, under vacuum and with nitrogen to preserve freshness. 70% Cinsault, 20% Grenache rouge, 10% Carignan.. Tasting Notes: Pink/salmon in color, with peach, floral and red fruit aromas. Bone dry, with a crisp, mouth-watering acidity leading to a long, spicy, mineral finish. Winemaker: Laurence Féraud Price per bottle / Price per case: $14.99/ Suggested Food Pairing: Enjoyable as an aperitif, this versatile rosé will also pair well with a wide range of foods (charcuterie, Salmon Rillettes, grilled summer vegetables, hummus with crudités, and more).
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