Château Simone is mythical in France, but almost unknown outside the country. I wouldn’t be surprised to find “for the French only” hidden in small print on the label. It feels like it should come with a wink and a secret handshake!

After two centuries, and because of the elusive Rougier family, Château Simone have created something so thrilling from this unique, high amphitheatre of vines, which are protected by pine trees and cooled by the Sainte Victoire Mountain  - The tiny AOC of Palette, where the estate is located, was only recently established.

While surrounding vineyards produce wines meant to be enjoyed just months after bottling by the sea, Château Simone quietly crafts wines destined for the finest tables and cellars of France.

The estate’s white wines are an unusual blend of local varieties few have heard of, but are always dominated by Clairette. Traditionally a supporting player, Clairette takes center stage at Château Simone - it is the Tom Cruise of their wines.

Winemaking here is slow and traditional, carried out in frigid 16th-century cellars. The resulting wines are rich, waxy, deep, and minerally, with a complexity that evolves by the minute in the glass. They are best appreciated alongside food, and they have a supernatural potential to age.

Dreweatts is both surprised to see and honoured to be able to offer bottles and magnums from 2001 and 1998 vintages. The world’s great wines are born from great terroirs, and there is no better example than Château Simone - but just don’t tell anyone!

Auction Details

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. The auction will take place on Wednesday 1 October (starting at 10.30am BST) at Dreweatts Newbury, but please note all wine and spirits are stored off-site at LCB Eton Park. Bidding is available online, by telephone, by commission bids or in person at Dreweatts. Please contact Dreweatts to register all commission bids or telephone bids by 12 noon BST the day before the sale.

Browse the auction
Sign up to email alerts

THINKING OF SELLING? 
Our specialists can provide valuations on single bottles and entire cellars, as well as advice on starting and maintaining your cellar. For further details or a free auction valuation, please contact: 

Dreweatts Wine Department
Mark Robertson | Violette Jongbloed | Emily Clarke
Direct tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 594
Main tel: +44 (0) 1635 553 553
E-mail: wine@dreweatts.com

Request a valuation