When was the last time you walked into a movie theatre, grabbed popcorn, and settled in the chairs to watch a movie on the big screen? How many Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime and Hulu movies or series have you watched (and binged) lately? Throughout the late fall and winter months, it seemed that I always had two or three streams of entertainment in my queue. Each of my choices, many of which were award winners, paired nicely with a glass of wine in hand, of course. Well received flicks with wonderful wines? Sounds like a rather nice evening, doesn’t it?
In the spirit of celebrating top-ranking movies, Clarendelle and Domaine Clarence Dillon returned as the Official Wine Partner of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for 2025. The family-owned wine company poured red and white wines for the glitterati at the 97th Oscars in March. The wines were also sipped and savored by guests at the Governors Ball held after the Oscars ceremony and during the Official Oscars Watch Party.
Clarendelle at the Governor’s Ball – Photo Credit: Clarendelle
It’s no secret that Prince Robert of Luxembourg, President and CEO of Domaine Clarence Dillon, has a background of oenology and screenwriting. Not only has he managed his family’s wine estates, but he has blended “the world of fine wine and film with this partnership.” And spoiler alert: various wines from the Estates have been seen in crowd-favorite shows such as Emily in Paris, The Crown, and Succession.
Domaine Clarence Dillon was founded in 1935 and is a family owned group known for its prestigious holdings that include Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, and Château Quintus. With Prince Robert at the helm, the Domaine “has earned a global reputation for excellence in winemaking, joining Primum Familiae Vini, an international association of some of the world’s finest wine producing families.”
“Before joining the family business, I began my career as a screenwriter, so to have the opportunity to partner with the Oscars for the third consecutive year is truly an honor,” said President and CEO of Domaine Clarence Dillon, Prince Robert of Luxembourg. “This collaboration is a natural extension of my family’s longstanding commitment and deep connection to film and the arts.”
Prince Robert de Luxembourg and his daughter Charlotte de Nassau – Photo Credit: Clarendelle
Two wines introduced at the events were La Clarté de Haut-Brion 2021, a white Bordeaux wine of which only 1000 cases were produced, and Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2015, a brilliant red wine exuding power, freshness and volume. But now it was my turn to celebrate wine and film with two Clarendelle wines (sent as samples) poured at the events. A stunning, Oscar worthy gift box replete with the wines, napkins, mini Oscars bottle stopper, confetti, and a logo-engraved wine key was gifted. I may not have attended the ceremony, but this swag was a lovely consolation prize!
Both Clarendelle Bordeaux White 2023 and Clarendelle Bordeaux Red 2017 were returning favorites to the Oscars events and I could taste why. With an incredibly food friendly palate profile and joie de vivre in every sip, I wouldn’t be surprised if they were repeat performers for years to come. Why?
Clarendelle Bordeaux White 2023 ($20) is a complex blend of 49% Sauvignon Blanc, 37% Semillon, and 14% Muscadelle. On the nose I found aromas of white florals, stone fruit, lemon and lime zest, freshly cut grass, and refreshing minerality. On the bright palate, flavors of tropical fruit, peaches, pears, lemon spritz, and grapefruit were punctuated with snappy acidity and a lingering finish. Pass the appetizers and pour the wine!
A traditional blend, Clarendelle Bordeaux Red 2017 ($21) was from a magnificent vintage year. Of 74% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Cabernet Franc, enticing aromas included white pepper, spice, rich raspberries, cherries, pomegranates and a hint of minerality. Freshness prevailed on the mouthwatering palate with its lush notes of cedar, rustic red fruits, bramble, earth, dark plums and black cherries. Soft tannins and moderate acidity provided the framework for this well-priced wine that offered an ever-so-satisfying finish.
It seems that I’ll be watching more award winning films this week with a few pours of Clarendelle in the glass. How about you?
Cheers! ~ Cindy
