Iconic red from Provance – Chateau Simone Rouge 2012, AOC Palette, Provance

A red that has been on my list for so long. It should be on yours, too. A truly iconic wine of Southern France with a long history and trackrecord (Cellartracker lists 1961 as first vintage).

Traditional, old school, not oaky, sweet or overt. Based on Grenache, Mourvedre and Cinsault (and contains an eclectic mix of varieties) but does not resemble to most French GSMs, although it oozes the warmth of the South. Brick shades in color, a slight hint of mushrooms on the nose, it’s approaching maturity. Dusty, leathery notes, accompanied by dried up sour cherry jam and bacon. Full-bodied, firmly tannic, acidity is surprisingly crisp. Just a bit edgy and rustic, but it starts to mellow. The depth of a classified Bordeaux with tons of personality. Charming, special wine. I would be happy to have a dozen of this in my cellar.

Rating: outstanding wine, 92 points. 
Price: 32€, current vintage is around 36€.
Stockist: Les Passionnes du Vin and more.
Value: good, highly recommended.
Tasted: March, 2020.
Source: own purchase.
Drinking window: now – 2025.