Cellar Favorite: 2021 Château Simone Palette Blanc

BY NEAL MARTIN | JUNE 9, 2025

Château Simone is a name that has slipped from the forefront of minds, perhaps a casualty of the indifference towards Provence as a wine region beyond Rosé. Of course, that is completely unjustified. Four generations of the Rougier family have run this Provence estate since 1830, a remarkable feat in itself. In 1948, Palette gained AOC status for whites, reds and Rosés. Château Simone dominates the AOC, owning over half the vineyard area in this tiny, 40-hectare appellation in the hills east of Aix. The Simone white comes from north-facing vines planted with 80% Clairette, 10% Grenache Blanc, 5% Bourboulenc, 3% Ugni Blanc and 2% Muscat Blanc. The fruit is naturally fermented and aged for 18 months in small oak barrels.

A friend brought a bottle of the 2021 Château Simone Blanc to dinner recently, and it served as a pertinent reminder of just how good these wines can be. Pale silvery in hue, the bouquet is glorious and captivating, with beautifully delineated scents of wax resin, pine forest and orange blossom. The palate displays exquisite balance, with just the faintest oxidation. Light smoky traits emerge with time, hints of bitter lemon mixing with almond towards the dry finish that urges you back for another sip. Knowing first-hand how the whites from this unique estate can repay cellaring, this will give up to 20 years’ drinking pleasure. 92/Drink 2025-2045

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