We Can't Stop Reaching For This Bottle: It's Created By Royalty & Showcased on Netflix

Earlier this year, we were introduced to Domaine Clarence Dillon, or rather, their new vintage, the Clarendelle Bordeaux Rouge 2016 (£22, Laithwaites)- an unexpected vintage at a complete steal of a price, but one that delights and excites both the palette and the drinker. And we haven’t been able to stop reaching for it.

Giving credit to the dry Indian summer of 2016 with its warm days but fresh nights balanced with the welcomed rains at the beginning of the Autumn season, the 2016 vintage embodies a fruity rich wine packed with red fruit and blackcurrant aromas with floral overtones reminiscent of violet. The body is made from a trio - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, producing a Bordeaux Red (13.5% ABV) that is as dry as the summer it basked in, with a bold and complex profile. A combination of tannic power offers a deliciously velvety texture with a rare smooth finish. You can expect a high level of acidity here too but not harsh - rather a more balanced and fresh flavour.

Alongside the rich red fruits you can expect a few earthier ones to come through, too: leather, smoke and oak are all present making this a great wine to pair with heavy meats: beef, veal and deer. The pairings of a King you may think, however a Prince may be more accurate. Prince Robert de Luxembourg to be precise. Launching Clarence Dillion Wines in 2005 - seventy years after his great-grandfather Mr. Clarence Dillion acquired Chateau Haurt-Brion, Bordeaux, he has taken the brand to enormous and luxurious heights. Living up to its namesake, with unique expertise in both winemaking and blending, Clarence Dillon Wines are beautifully crafted with an unwavering attention to detail.

And you may recognise the brand from Netflix’s Emily in Paris. In multiple scenes of the show the beautifully designed and elegant bottles are showcased on dining tables and at many a prestigious event the main character Emily is in attendance. Film has always been a part of the brain-child behind the brand - Prince Robert’s life - who started his professional life as a screen writer before launching the premium family brand of Clarendelle so it’s only right for it to go full circle.

If you’re unable to get your hands on a bottle of the 2016 vintage (#SorryNotSorry we have ordered so many), do not fret. Clarendelle have launched two new vintages this year that are just as delightful. Their Bordeaux Blanc 2021 (£34, Vivino) and the Bordeaux Rosé 2021 (£16.99, Laithwaites). The Blanc unveils a plethora of aromas including an array of tropical fruits with citrus notes to subtle rose and lychee. The Rosé has beautiful grapefruit flavours with unexpected notes of liquorice and mint making this wine something truly spectacular. Both 2021 vintages hail from a cool spring and summer followed by a warmer sun as the season progressed. Each bottle is light in colour, rounded on the palate and fresh on the nose.

So why not grab a bottle, settle in to Netflix and raise a glass like royalty? However if you wanted to experience the royal treatment for yourself, Le Clarence - the combined partnership of Prince Robert and seasoned ‘rebel’ chef Christophe Pelé - is a brilliantly executed modern restaurant that is juxtaposed with the warm traditional charm of a French chateau and has just been listed as the 28th best restaurant in the world in this years’ ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list, ranking them at the 2nd finest restaurant in France. A true bucket list must visit restaurant.