Tasted & immediately looked up what I had bought, $50.00 but so worth it.
K&L notes,
This is no cheap rosé, it's true. But consider, for a minute, that this is no simple quaffer of a pink wine. It hails from Palette, one of the smallest appellations in all of France. It is, in a sense, a sort of Provençal monopole, since Château Palette owns nearly all the acreage in this tiny 23-hectare zone. Their vines are old, too. In some cases, more than 100 years old. The red grapes are the usual suspects for this part of France: Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah with small amounts of Cinsault, Carignane, and other local varieties. But at Simone, they translate into a rosé unlike any other. We're talking power here, and a certain something serious. The rosé is fermented in small foudres and is then racked into barriques and left on the lees until the following spring. Rich with raspberries and herbs, this mouth-filling rosé holds onto its natural acidity, as it does not undergo malolactic fermentation thanks to the very cool cellars of this historic chateau. This wine costs as much as many reds. Fortunately, it has the concentration and complexity to go along with the price. Serve it with serious food and be prepared to broaden your appreciation of what rosé can be.
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— 4 years ago


Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7
Actually $59.00 at K&L not $50.00, I switched out my wife’s glass once I tasted it🤫Clean, bright Chardonnay by Stags’ Leap Winery, one of California’s oldest producers (not to be confused with the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, founded by Warren Winiarski and winner of the legendary 1976 Tasting in Paris). Contrary to what the label might suggest, the fruit does not come from Stags Leap AVA (as if two ways to punctuate wasn’t confusing enough…), but rather from Carneros and Oak Knoll, Napa Valley's much cooler southern appellations. Aromas of orange blossom, lemon zest, subtle oak notes. Grapefruit in mouth — 6 years ago
Clos Floridène – 2021
Graves, Bordeaux – France 🇫🇷
Overview
Founded by the late Denis Dubourdieu, Clos Floridène has built a reputation for producing approachable yet refined wines from Graves. This 2021 vintage is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, delivering structure with easy drinkability. (Educational note: Graves, one of Bordeaux’s oldest appellations, is famed for its gravel soils that add freshness and balance to its reds and whites.)
Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red fruits (cherry, raspberry, plum) with blackberry and cassis, framed by cedar, oak spice, and a subtle earthy note.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with polished tannins and balanced acidity. Solid yet affable structure, making it an effortless “uncork and pour” wine.
Food Pairings
Great with roasted chicken, duck breast, grilled lamb chops, or charcuterie. Also pairs with earthy mushroom dishes or semi-aged cheeses.
Verdict
A charming Graves red — approachable, structured, and thoroughly enjoyable. The 2021 Clos Floridène captures Left Bank elegance in a wine ready to drink today. 🍷
Did You Know?
Clos Floridène was founded in 1982 and guided by Denis Dubourdieu, one of Bordeaux’s most respected enologists, often called the “pope of white wine.” — 9 months ago
Notes of cigar on the nose and dry fruit on the palate. Full bodied @ 15% and at below €20 it’s far superior to some of the over priced and over rated appellations in Bordeaux — 5 years ago
One of many Cru Bourgeois from Haut-Medoc. I do believe they are “leading the pack” among Bordeaux appellations. — 5 years ago
16 barrels — 6 years ago
Clone from Loire valley. Very tasty. Supply and demand has brought this from $45 to $85 — 6 years ago
Vieux Château Palon – 2021
Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC – Right Bank, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A distinctive Right Bank Bordeaux, this cuvée flips the classic Merlot-dominant Saint-Émilion script. Instead, it is crafted from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc, making it unusually bold, structured, and aromatically lifted for the appellation.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry, and cassis dominate, with graphite, cedar, and tobacco leaf from the Cabernets. Subtle violet and peppery notes emerge from the Franc.
Mouthfeel
Firm tannins, medium-plus body, and a long, savory finish. More muscular and linear than many Montagne-Saint-Émilions, leaning toward Left Bank style but with Right Bank elegance.
Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, lamb chops with rosemary, cassoulet, duck confit, aged Comté or Tomme de Savoie cheeses.
Verdict
An atypical but fascinating Montagne-Saint-Émilion that highlights Cabernet structure over Merlot plushness. For those who love Pauillac or Saint-Julien, this bottle is a bridge into the Right Bank world. Cheers!
Did You Know?
Montagne-Saint-Émilion is one of the four “satellite” appellations of Saint-Émilion, known for offering excellent value Bordeaux reds. Few estates here lean so heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes Palon stand out stylistically. — 8 months ago
Blend of Mourvèdre (about 75%) and Grenache with a splash of Cinsault and Carignan in this ripe and spicy wine from one of smallest appellations in France. Deep Ruby with aromas of ripe black fruits and floral spice. On the palate flavors of plum and black currant with black pepper and herbs. Lively tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit and spice. Nice value! — 4 years ago
Love this wine! Pale ruby, gorgeous color. A great representation of a lovely Burgundy wine without spending for the higher-end appellations. Aromas and flavors of raspberry, strawberry, red cherry with gentle vanilla and cedar. Medium acid, medium tannins. It's a beautiful wine on its own, but paired wonderfully with smoked ribs. — 5 years ago
🏅 Rating 90+/100 (4,05⭐)
Fresh, floral and energetic. Slightly reductive, but with light touch of oak. Bee wax, yellow plum. Saline minerality on the palate reminds of Chablis from Kimmeridgian limestone. Silky texture, flavours support the nose. Difficult to believe it is regional Bourgogne appellation. It does have this Saint Aubin signature to it. And we know from Olivier Lamy that fruit comes from vineyards adjacent to village and often times declassified fruit from superior appellations enriches this Bourgogne blend.
Superb value for money.
Drink till 2023 — 6 years ago
Multi-dimensional #lalandedepomerol - layered perfume of mushrooms, leather, white pepper. Taste features dried berries, dry and savory character with smoked meat mid-palate. I’ve forgotten how good Pomerol and nearby Right Bank appellations can be. — 6 years ago
Vincent Girardin continues the winemaking tradition of his father and grandfather before him, and expanded the appellations in his domaine either through inheritance, purchase, or a system of leasing called "fermage." Aromas of stone and citrus fruits. The palate shows lemons with crisp apple, mineral & oak notes. This medium-body wine has good balance with integrated acidity, lingering, finishing smooth with a citrus mineral ending. Very Nice! — 7 years ago
Jan de Weerd
Very nice wine. Everything was in sync. Tannins had tamed down and fully integrated with this vibrant wine. Fourteen years old but still super vibrant with fresh fruit. — 5 months ago