Chateau Simone Palette 1997

Chateau Simone Palette 1997: Good colour, showing some maturity. The nose takes some time to open up, as the palate does to soften, but it does yield aromas of liquorice and leather. Quite austere at first, with firm tannins, but the texture fills out to give a stylish weight with good balance, showing a good tannic backbone. Animalistic, roasted flavour. Very enjoyable. The structure cries out for food at present, and was fine with slow-roasted lamb, but the wine will integrate and improve over the next eight to ten years in the cellar. Good 16.5+/20 (18/4/05)