Tucked into the southern slopes of Saint-Émilion, Château Simard is a domaine of quiet distinction. Though less ostentatious than some of its neighbors, it carries a deep-rooted legacy and a unique philosophy: to let time, not trend, define its wines. For decades, the estate’s hallmark has been patience—releasing its vintages only when they are ready to speak in full voice.

The estate spans approximately 40 hectares, situated on a classic right bank mix of clay and limestone soils. Merlot is the dominant varietal, supported by a smaller percentage of Cabernet Franc. The vineyards are farmed with restraint and care, emphasizing balance in the fruit and fidelity to the site. With vine age averaging over 30 years, Simard’s fruit offers concentration without excess, elegance without fragility.

In the cellar, traditional methods prevail. Grapes are harvested by hand, fermented in concrete vats, and aged in a mix of large oak foudres and barriques. The approach is minimalist, aiming to preserve the natural expression of the fruit and the underlying minerality of the terroir. What distinguishes Château Simard most, however, is its long élevage—not in barrel, but in bottle. The estate famously withholds its wines for 8 to 10 years before release, allowing tannins to soften, aromatics to unfurl, and balance to emerge.

The Château Simard Saint-Émilion offers a beautifully mature profile even upon release: notes of black cherry, dried rose, cedar, and forest floor unfurl over a palate of supple tannins and quiet persistence. It is a wine of poise and depth—less about power, more about evolution and grace.

Owned by the Vauthier family of Château Ausone fame, Simard is a study in thoughtful contrast: accessible yet cellar-worthy, traditional yet quietly individualistic. It does not shout; it resonates.

Each bottle is a passage through time—calm, composed, and gracefully revealed.