France — wine

Palette

One of France's smallest and most prestigious wine appellations, just east of Aix-en-Provence. A tiny 60-hectare zone dominated almost entirely by Chateau Simone, the defining producer of the appellation. Palette is planted on a north-facing limestone slope in a natural amphitheatre — an anomaly in Provence that allows for cool, slow ripening and remarkable complexity. Whites, roses, and reds all produced with extraordinary aging potential.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Cool north-facing slope moderated a warm Provencal year; exceptional red and white complexity
2022 Outstanding Provence vintage; Palette's unique terroir produced wines of unusual freshness and structure
2021 Challenging for much of Provence but Palette's sheltered aspect handled conditions well
2020 Long, even season; Chateau Simone red of exceptional aging potential
2019 Classic vintage with the appellation's signature herbal complexity and mineral depth