Château Simard is an estate defined by its historic continuity and the legendary stewardship of the Vauthier family, the same family behind the iconic Château Ausone. Located on the southern slopes of the Saint-Émilion plateau, the property’s history is inextricably linked to Claude “Coco” Mazière, who inherited the estate in 1954. Mazière was a quintessential “gentleman farmer” known for his traditionalist views; he famously refused to follow the modern trend of releasing wines shortly after bottling, preferring to age his Saint-Émilion Grand Cru in the château’s cellars for a decade or more until he deemed them ready for the dinner table. Following his passing in 2008, his nephew Alain Vauthier took over, bringing the same exacting standards to Simard that he applies to Ausone. The estate is celebrated for its classic right-bank blend, dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, grown on sand and gravel soils that yield wines of remarkable finesse and unpretentious elegance.

The 1975 growing season was a pivotal moment for Bordeaux, marking the end of a string of difficult vintages and the return of serious aging potential. The year began with a mild winter and a successful flowering in June, despite some localized spring frosts. The summer was exceptionally hot and dry, which led to the development of thick-skinned grapes with high tannin levels and concentrated sugars. A series of storms in September provided just enough hydration to push the Merlot to full maturity before the harvest. For Château Simard, the 1975 vintage produced a wine of significant structural power and “old-school” character. Because of Mazière’s commitment to late releases and traditional maturation, the 1975 survived its rugged youth to become a testament to the longevity of Saint-Émilion, evolving into a savory, complex wine defined by notes of dried fruit, cedar, and forest floor.