Catch a Simone Rouge from the right vintage and you’ll encounter class, subtlety and lift that’s completely unique for Provence

There's something indisputably noble and singular about Simone's entire range. And when their rouge is on, it's explosive and elegant, sweeping away notions about what wine from Provence can be.

The 2012 Château Simone Rouge is such a vintage. It's an especially open and expressive vintage for the wine. The energy, refinement and aromatics of Simone Rouge are in their full glory in this wine.

I'm not sure that we've seen a vintage of Simone Rouge hitting on all eight cylinders like the 2012. Given the wine's harmony and Simone's track record for aging, the 2012 seems poised to show brilliantly for at least the next decade.

Andrew Jefford, writes that “the Simone vineyards are unusual in every respect.” Simone is located in the small, obscure limestone dominated appellation of Palette (it totals a mere 35ha) just north of Aix-en-Provence in the heart of Provence.

Though there’s another producer or two, Château Simone, which has been in the hands of the Rouget family for seven generations, rules the Palette appellation. The vineyards face north, a rarely seen exposition. Compared to the rest of sun-soaked Provence, the north facing vineyards give Simone's wines shocking poise and finesse.

Another unusual aspect is the cépage. Along with Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon, you find things like Castet, Manosquin, Théoulier, Tibouren, and Picpoul Noir. Some of the vines are over 100 years old.

The sum is a wine with shocking finesse, clarity and drive. The 2012 serves as an exemplar in flaunting these qualities. In the 2012, you'll find a sleek limestone minerality, silken texture and beautiful agility. There's a very complex layering of herbs and pine notes, with dark fruits and a tightly wound core of minerality.

To be honest, we're somewhat picky when it comes to offering Simone Rouge. We wait for vintages that really jump out at us. And that's what the 2012 did. It was important to us to have pack pricing, because the 2012 is absolutely lovely today and has a bright future ahead of it.

To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Joe Salamone

Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits

2012 Château Simone Palette Rouge