2020 Simard
Estimated value
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Tasting notes
An attractive offering from the Vauthier family that isn't sold en primeur, the 2020 Simard offers up aromas of cherries, kirsch, rose petals and smoke, followed by a medium to full-bodied, pure and lively palate framed by powdery tannins. It's a Merlot-dominant blend from sandy soils on the plain.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
A linear and tight young red with beautifully ripe fruit with dark berries, dark chocolate and coffee. Some orange and citrus undertones. Ash, too. Full-bodied. Very tight and focused. Really well done. Excellent. Mostly merlot with some cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and a hint of petit verdot. Better in a two or three years.
Kirsch, cherries, flowers, spice and plums open the perfume. Medium-bodied, the wine is soft, fresh, fruity and forward with sweetness and lift in the almost, crisp finish. You can enjoy this on release, or age it a bit for more complexity. Drink from 2023-2032.
Black cherries, new leather, tobacco leaf, candied violets, and incense notes all emerge from the 2020 Château Simard, a spicy, medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, opulent 2020. A blend of 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot, it's another gorgeous Saint-Emilion in the Vauthier lineup. It has ripe tannins and is going to benefit from short-term cellaring, but it will evolve for a solid 15+ years.
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.