Château Simone Palette Rouge, France 2019

This historic estate, situated in the hills just south of Aix-en-Provence, has been in the hands of the Rougier family for two centuries and holds a virtual monopoly on the appellation of Palette. This is one of those gems of the wine world. Buy for current enjoyment, with a bit of air, or for the cellar to age. In its youth, the red boasts a dark robe, plummy and wild berry aromas.  With age, its mineral core begins to express itself, with tertiary notes of forest floor and wild herbs.  Grapes: Grenache (45%), Mourvèdre (30%), and Cinsault (5%), with some Syrah, Manosquin, Castet, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Muscat Noir (20% total) Soil: Limestone soils at elevations between 500 and 750 feet above sea level Farming: Organic  Pairing: After giving it some air. Game, heartier sauces