Clarendelle
Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France
2018
Vintage
Varietal
Bordeaux Blend
ABV
Where it is, June 2026
At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2023-2029).
In May 2026, the 2018 Clarendelle Bordeaux is past its peak but still drinking very well. The wine entered its window in 2021 and peaked between 2023 and 2029. The fruit remains lively and the spice and tannin integration is excellent, but the wine is in the later stages of its optimal window with the hard decline projected around 2032. Drink any remaining bottles over the next few years rather than holding further. A 20 to 30 minute decant will refresh the nose and add freshness to the palate.
The ‘18 Bordeaux.
A polished, well-crafted Bordeaux carrying the Haut-Brion producer's precision and standards into an accessible, everyday drinking format.
Drinking window
Tasting note
Clarendelle is the Bordeaux label created by Domaines Clarence Dillon, the owners of Chateau Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion, designed to offer broadly accessible Bordeaux at an approachable price point while maintaining the quality standards and winemaking philosophy of its illustrious parent company. The 2018 Bordeaux is a wine that punches well above its price point, benefiting from the expertise and standards of one of Bordeaux's most celebrated houses. The color is a dark, deep red that signals the wine's concentration. On the nose the wine opens with black fruit, black cherry, and blackcurrant that provide the fruit core, alongside liquorice and spice notes that add warmth and complexity. The tannins are fine and elegant, reflecting the Dillon house style of precision and restraint even at the accessible level. On the palate the wine is balanced and focused, the fruit weight matched by fresh acidity and a clean, focused finish. The liquorice and spice notes linger pleasantly through the conclusion, providing a final layer of complexity that rewards attention. For a branded Bordeaux at this level, the 2018 Clarendelle shows remarkable quality and authenticity of expression.
The 2018 vintage
The 2018 Bordeaux vintage was exceptional at all quality levels, and Clarendelle's position within the Dillon portfolio meant that even this accessible bottling benefited from the vintage's outstanding growing conditions. The warm, generous 2018 season produced fruit of excellent concentration and deep color across all Bordeaux appellations, and the Dillon family's sourcing relationships ensured access to well-farmed fruit reflecting the vintage at its best. The result is a Clarendelle that consistently over-delivers for the category.
About Clarendelle
Clarendelle was created by Domaines Clarence Dillon, the family that owns Chateau Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion, as a vehicle for producing high-quality Bordeaux at broadly accessible price points. The label applies the same winemaking philosophy and quality standards as the parent estates to fruit sourced from Bordeaux properties outside the grand cru hierarchy, resulting in wines of genuine Bordeaux character and house style that offer exceptional value. The Dillon family connection ensures a level of winemaking sophistication unusual at this price level.
From the cellar: pair with
Roast chicken with Bordeaux-style mushroom sauce
The wine's fine tannins and black cherry and blackcurrant fruit are a classic match for simple roasted chicken prepared with a wine-based mushroom sauce.
Grilled lamb chops with herbs
The blackcurrant and spice character of this Bordeaux pairs naturally with herb-seasoned lamb, a combination that has been central to French wine culture for generations.
Hard cheese board with Comté and dried fruit
The wine's fine tannins and fruit concentration pair pleasantly with hard cheeses and the natural sweetness of dried fruit, a flexible and crowd-pleasing combination.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 16 to 17 degrees C (61 to 63 degrees F)
- Decanting
- A 20 to 30 minute decant will refresh the nose and brighten the palate.
- Cellar Storage
- 12 to 14 degrees C (54 to 57 degrees F)
The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.
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Frequently Asked
What is the connection between Clarendelle and Chateau Haut-Brion?
Clarendelle is owned by Domaines Clarence Dillon, the same family that owns Chateau Haut-Brion and La Mission Haut-Brion. The label applies the estate's winemaking philosophy and standards to produce accessible Bordeaux.
Is the 2018 Clarendelle still drinking well in 2026?
Yes, though it is in the later stages of its peak window. Drink any remaining bottles now through 2029 for the best experience.
Is this wine suitable for everyday drinking?
Yes. Clarendelle is designed for regular table use and immediate pleasure rather than extended cellaring. It is an excellent choice for weeknight dinners.
Where does Clarendelle source its grapes?
Clarendelle sources fruit from Bordeaux properties selected by Domaines Clarence Dillon for quality and consistency, applying the house winemaking approach to create an accessible but genuine Bordeaux expression.