H.R.H Prince Robert of Luxembourg
Once again H.R.H. Prince Robert of Luxembourg’s Clarendelle Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion will have his elegant red and white wines poured to the stars attending this week’s Oscar-related events and the prestigious Governors Ball on Sunday, March 10 in Hollywood, CA.
His wines will be paired with celebrity and award-winning chef Wolfgang Puck’s curated dinner menu. The two united and hosted a preview menu of Clarendelle and Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion wine during a dinner at Spago Beverly Hills.
Prince Robert and Wolfgang Puck have been friends for many years. “I arrived in Hollywood when I was 23 years old to pursue screenwriting,” said Prince Robert. “I signed with CAA (Creative Artists Agency) and enjoyed dining at the first Spago restaurant on Sunset Blvd.”
As the official wines poured at the 96th Oscars, Clarendelle was created by Prince Robert of Luxembourg, representing the fourth generation. The family story began with his great-grandfather, who was born in Texas, purchased and acquired the historic Château Haut-Brion in 1935. “It’s known for its extraordinary terroir,” said Prince Robert.
Prince Robert left his dreams in Hollywood when his family needed help with the family wine company. He has no regrets because today under his leadership as Chairman and CEO, Domaine Clarence Dillon continues to be a big supporter of the arts, wine and hospitality.
Spago Spicy Big Eye Tuna Cones
The evening started with passed appetizers that included Wolfgang Puck’s spicy Big Eye Tuna cones. Guests sipped the pale yellow 2021 La Clarte’ de Haut-Brion offering a delicate nose of white flowers and lemon. It’s made with grapes grown on the Haut-Brion terrior from two prestigious estates: Chateau Haut-Brion and Chateau La Mission Haut Brion.
‘We are really looking forward to enjoying the exquisite menu from Wolfgang Puck and his catering team, expertly paired with our wines,’ said Prince Robert. The list of Clarendelle & Domaine Clarence Dillon wines poured at all the Oscars events, catered by Wolfgang Puck Catering, includes: La Carte’ de Haut-Brion 2017, La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion 2010, Clarendelle Bordeaux Red 2016 and Clarendelle Bordeaux White 2022.
2010 La Chapelle de la Mission Haut-Brion. Photo Jill Weinlein
Domaine Clarence Dillon has grown to include three prestigious wine estates (Château Haut-Brion, Château La Mission Haut-Brion and Château Quintus). company, Domaine Clarence Dillon French wines paired with Celebrity and Award Winning Chef Wolfgang Puck’s specially curated menu at Spago Beverly Hills.
“Since its earliest days, our family company Domaine Clarence Dillon has been a fervent supporter and promoter of the arts both in France and on the international stage,’ said Prince Robert. ‘With Clarendelle we are thrilled and honored to be part of the biggest night in Hollywood. We will join millions of viewers from all around the world to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the 96th Oscars nominees.”
A highlight of luxury will be tasting one of the best wines ever produced at this famous estate: La Chapelle de La Mission 2010. The highly experienced Château Haut-Brion winemakers oversee the blending process for Clarendelle, vintage after vintage, as they do for the notorious Château La Mission Haut-Brion and Château Quintus estates. The Clarendelle bottles are then placed in the cellar before being released to the market when they are judged to have reached their ideal drinking age, offering the finest expression of their Bordeaux terroirs to wine lovers globally.
This year, there will be a special focus on the wines of Château La Mission Haut-Brion by highlighting the best second wines ever produced at this famous estate: La Chapelle de La Mission 2010, rated. “The finest La Chapelle de la Mission ever made.” – Robert Parker, 93 points.
Spago Beverly Hills Grilled Stone Axe Wagyu Beef. Photo Jill Weinlein
At Spago Beverly Hills this elegant 2010 red wine was paired with a tender Stone Axe Wagyu beef served with a celery root wedge, nasturtium leaves and a sauce foyot. This sauce is a heightened burst of flavor over a Hollandaise sauce. It’s made with egg yolk, butter, vinegar, shallots and herbs.
Besides Wolfgang Puck in the state-of-the-art kitchen, Executive Chef Ari Rosenson, Chef de Cuisine Areg Avanessian and Pastry Chef Della Gossett helped prepare the exquisite five-course wine pairing dinner during the pre-Oscar event.
Olive Oil poached dry aged turbot was served with a heavenly cauliflower, fresh herbs and a caviar beurre blanc. This was served with La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc 2009.
A petite Wolf Ranch Quail was stuffed with brioche and morel mushrooms. The Spring onion soubise with thyme and a red reduction sauce was heavenly. This was served with a pour of 2005 La Mission Haut-Brion Rouge.
Spago Beverly Hills Pineapple Strudel is Oscar worthy. Photo Jill Weinlein
Guests enjoyed Pastry Chef Della Gossett’s Pineapple Strudel with a marzipan gelato and candied almonds. The star of the plate was a golden chocolate Oscar statue.
As always at Spago’s plates of Mignardises and petit four bite-sized candies, caramels, and jellies were served at the end of the meal.
Clarendelle Amberwine
When the Clarendelle Amberwine was served with dessert, the first thing one notices about this wine is its elegance. This lovely honey colored dessert wine offers the aroma of a soft peach, ripe strawberry and honey flavors. Its a perfect balance of appealing aroma that is exactly the same as its ethereal tasting notes on one’s palate.
In 2015, the company opened a Paris restaurant, Le Clarence, proclaimed one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World. The sophisticated restaurant has enjoyed its two-star Michelin status since its opening. In the same year, “La Cave du Château” was launched, a unique fine wine merchant with an exceptional collection of wines and vintages that today enjoys four locations in Bordeaux and Paris, including its online presence.
