Clarendelle Blanc
Clarendelle Blanc is not so much a brand of premium Bordeaux wine as it is an unabashed, heartfelt celebration of the region. Founded by Prince Robert of Luxembourg in 2005, Clarendelle celebrates the extraordinary terroirs of southwestern France, the legacy of Prince Robert’s great-grandfather, Clarence Dillon, and the simple, pleasurable practice of enjoying a glass of good wine.
The Clarendelle Blanc is composed of one-third each of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. Already bottled, it opens with intense notions of white peaches, honeycomb, poached pears and allspice with a touch of mandarin peel. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is coated with open-knit, expressive stone fruit and ripe pear flavors, with a refreshing line and spicy finish. 150,000 cases produced.
Clarendelle Blanc is vinified to drink well young, In fact, it is quite delicious on release. Should you wish, young vintages can be decanted for 20-30 minutes or up to 1 hour. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Clarendelle is usually best within 2-7 years after the vintage.
Mr Clarence Dillon, an eminent American financier, visit- ed Bordeaux in 1934. He fell under the spell of Château Haut-Brion and recognized the unique opportunity of acquiring such a legendary estate. Mr Clarence Dillon purchased the estate in 1935 and this was the beginning of his family’s long commitment and dedication to this famous château. Every improvement and innovation since then has been guided by a love of perfection, and Château Haut-Brion has remained worthy of its noble heritage.
Today, Domaine Clarence Dillon, produces five rare and exceptional estate wines of unequalled reputation as well as their second wines. Domaine Clarence Dillon’s expertise, founded on five centuries of history, is reflect- ed in every wine produced by the estate. In 2005, Clarence Dillon’s great-grandson, Prince Robert de Luxembourg, began writing a new chapter of the Dil- lon family’s history by establishing Clarence Dillon Wines to produce and sell the first premium brand wine in Bordeaux: “Clarendelle”. Clarendelle’s mission is to pursue the heritage of perfection left by this great man and it is a tribute to the first member of the family to set- tle in Bordeaux. With this outstanding terroir, passionate and qualified team, and an expertise handed down over centuries, all the necessary ingredients were there for the creation of a top-end Bordeaux brand.
