Chateau Simone - Palette Blanc 2021 (750ml)

95 Points Decanter

Palette, a 40ha enclave within Coteaux d’Aix, was originally created by Jean Rougier of Château Simone. Almost 200 years on, the family still runs the estate, which provides a snapshot of old Provence character: vineyards include many old and experimental varieties planted around the time of phylloxera. Soils consist largely of limestone scree with clays, pebbles and gravels. 80% Clairette blended with 10% Grenache Blanc and small portions of Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc and Muscat fermented in small foudres where it rests for eight months before ageing for a year in oak barriques. Elizabeth Gabay MW: Rich, buttery aromas. Concentrated saline and citrus acidity, a touch of margarita lime and salt. Acidity has an almost mouth puckering dryness on the finish after the ripe fruit. Natasha Hughes MW: Camomile, orange blossom, oolong tea and subtle oak spice. Nutty development. Balance of primary and tertiary characters. Bright acidity and a long finish. Joanna Simon: Intense, honeyed citrus fruit wrapped in creamy oak. There’s plenty of power and weight, but the acidity provides balance. Layered, evolved and complex, but just a little heavy and oaky.