2016 Chateau Simard
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James Suckling
Wine Enthusiast
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From the team at Ausone, the 2016 Château Simard is made from 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc brought up in just 30% new French oak. It’s a medium-bodied, classic, nicely balanced Saint-Emilion that has loads of upfront charm. Offering up notes of dark fruits and tobacco, it has an easygoing, rounded texture and is geared for drinking over the coming decade or so. It’s a delicious, satisfying effort.
The 2016 Simard has a lively and – as I noted from barrel – quite Burgundy-like bouquet, more Morey-Saint-Denis than Chambolle-Musigny. The medium-bodied palate is rounded and generous, offering plush, lightly spiced black fruit and a touch of truffle on the finish. Very fine.
Beautiful spice and red plums with red cherries and a silky, velvety edge on the palate that delivers a very assertive, succulent array of bright, red-fruit flavor. A blend of 75 per cent merlot and 25 per cent cabernet franc. Drink or hold.
About the producer
Owned by the Vauthier family, who also own Ch. Ausone, this large Saint-Emilion estate is the entry-point to the Vauthier range. It is an excellent introduction to the family’s wines and great value, offering an earlier-drinking style.