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. <img alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.vinous.com/uploads%2F1749476227117-CF_June092025.JPG">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
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