🏰A unique expression from the tiny Palette appellation, the 2007 Chateau Simone Palette Rouge defies expectations with its Northern refinement in the South, showcasing impressive energy, poise, and a complex bouquet of red fruits, garrigue, and earthy notes. Chateau Simone is located in the small, obscure Palette appellation (35ha) north of Aix-en-Provence, owned by the Rouget family for seven generations. Compared to other Provençal wines, it stands out for its balance, refinement, and poise. The 2007 vintage, though warm in Provence, yielded a Rouge with impressive energy and poise, herbal-tinged red fruits, and exuberant flowers. It has good aging potential, with some suggesting it can age for 5-10 more years. It displays a deep ruby-red color with subtle aromas and an extremely complex bouquet. Aromas include red berry fruit, balsam wood, plums, spices, orange rind, coniferous forest, crushed strawberry, garrigue, and leather. The palate is earthy, with mature darker fruits, integrated tannins, sufficient acidity, and wonderful length, offering notes of ripe black cherries, leather, wet leaves, and spice. It can taste like great older Northern Rhône Syrah, smoky and bretty with a juicy, dried strawberry feel. 🍴 Excellent with lamb. Also pairs beautifully with cassoulet, grilled lamb chops, or other rich, savory meats. 🥂 A fascinating wine for those seeking something unique and age-worthy, suitable for a special dinner or a tasting focused on regional specialties. The 2007 Chateau Simone Palette Rouge is drinking beautifully now, showing lovely maturity and complexity. It still has potential for further aging. When opening, be mindful of the cork, and consider a decant to allow its nuanced aromas to fully blossom.