To understand Château Simone is to understand the absolute pinnacle of the SommSelect mantra: an uncompromising devotion to terroir, historical preservation, and the stewardship of the land. Nestled within a limestone-rich natural amphitheater in Palette—Provence’s smallest and most historic appellation—this legendary estate represents a fierce defiance of modern, commercial trends. While the rest of the region turned to mass-produced, poolside rosés, the Rougier family spent nearly two centuries painstakingly cultivating their north-facing, monk-planted terraces. By preserving ancient, pre-phylloxera clones and traditional field blends, they have elevated Simone into a living artifact of wine history, commanding a fervent, cult-like fanaticism among global collectors.

The 2021 Palette Rouge captures the profound, soulful character of these centenarian vines, channeling a deep sense of place into a remarkably elegant yet powerful structure. On the nose and palate, it unleashes a dark, multi-layered bouquet of wild bramble fruit, dried Mediterranean garrigue, and black pepper that effortlessly gives way to a dense core of graphite minerality, savory spices, and muscular, ultra-fine tannins. To best showcase its old-world poise and intense concentration, pair this monumental red with roasted lamb encrusted in fresh rosemary and thyme, or a traditional, slow-braised wild boar stew.

Critical Acclaim:

96 Points, Wine Advocate: