2014 Ch Simian Châteauneuf du Pape Le Traversier, Southern Rhone

A fantastic Cinderella, rags-to-riches story is at the origin of Château Simian. At around 1920, Sophie Simian, having no direct successor, left her vines to a dedicated worker, Marcelle Laudret. Marcelle went on to grow the vineyard with her husband, and their daughter married Yves Serguier (of Domaine Serguier) in 1955. In 1981 Yves’ son, Jean Pierre took over his family’s estate and realized the dream of four generations of winemakers: the maturing and bottling of wine on his own estate. Today, Château Simian has three generations working side by side: Yves, Jean-Pierre, and his son Florian.

The estate owns twenty-five hectares of vineyards, six of them in Chateauneuf du Pape. It is Certified Biodynamic, and practicing since 2008. The vines haven’t seen herbicide since 1994

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.Chateau Simian Le Traversier made its debut with the 2011 vintage. 2014 Simian Châteauneuf du Pape (70% Grenache and 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault; the vines are on average at least 50 years of age) displays wild fresh red floral aromas with gently spicy and earthy notes ahead of bright red plum fruits. The medium-bodied palate has a smooth, tangy and elegant shape to it. Forward, lighter style of wine for early drinking pleasure and cherry and strawberry centre. An attractive, fresh finish. There is lots to like here. The wine will drink nicely from now for 4-5 years.