France — wine

Palette AOC

Tiny appellation near Aix-en-Provence producing complex, age-worthy red, white and rosé wines from old limestone vineyards. Dominated by Château Simone, the sole domaine holding most of the appellation's land. Whites from Clairette show remarkable longevity.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Good Provence vintage; freshness preserved despite late-season heat
2022 Warm vintage with concentrated fruit; Clairette whites show honeyed complexity.
2021 Challenging vintage; lighter reds, crisp whites showing delicate floral character.
2020 Early harvest under heat stress; wines of concentration but requiring careful selection.
2019 Balanced warmth produced rich reds with fine structure; whites aromatically expressive.
2018 Cool nights preserved acidity in an otherwise warm year; whites of extraordinary tension.
2017 Drought stress; concentrated wines — particularly successful Rouge