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Domaine Dillon opens Paris residence

Haut-Brion’s parent company, Domaine Clarence Dillon, has opened a restaurant and fine wine shop in a mansion in central Paris as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations.

The ‘Grand Salon’

Officially opened late last year, Hôtel Dillon on Avenue Franklin Roosevelt is a fully restored 19th century mansion featuring a restaurant overseen by a former Michelin-starred chef and a fine wine shop featuring Haut-Brion dating back to 1961 and various other rare Champagnes and spirits.

The mansion, situated at 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt, was acquired by the company just over four years ago and has been fully restored in order to “capture the philosophy, worldview and unique blend of tradition and innovation, exemplified by Domaine Clarence Dillon.”

It was officially opened last year as part of Domaine Dillon’s 80th anniversary celebrations to mark its acquisition of the famous Bordeaux first growth. The opening date was pushed back due to the 13 November attacks in Paris.

The focus of the property is new restaurant ‘Le Clarence’ overseen by chef Christophe Pelé and restaurant manager and chef sommelier, Antoine Pétrus.

Classic French dishes apparently form the majority of the menu and both chef and sommelier reportedly share a love of roast game and cheese. The wine list, as one might expect, showcases the “variety and the formidable complexity of French winegrowing terroirs” and there is a particularly strong offering from Doamine Dillon’s properties, Haut-Brion, La Mission Haut-Brion and Quintus.

In addition to the restaurant, Hôtel Dillon boasts a bar and ‘Grand Salon’ in which to relax and three private meeting and dining rooms.

Situated on the ground floor is ‘La Cave du Château’, a small boutique which features spirits in the shape of Bas-Armagnacs from Darroze and Laberdolive, Tesseron Cognacs, Caribbean rums and Jeroboams of Chartreuse.

In the first part of the wine section (temperature and humidity controlled) are various vintages of Haut-Brion’s second wine ‘Le Clarence’ and Champagnes such as Bollinger, Louis Roederer and Jacquesson.

The red wine library in the cellar of Hôtel Dillon

In the cellar there is a red and a white wine library in which are held further rare wines and vintages from Salon, Selosse, Krug,
Yquem, and other great French wine names including La Mission Haut-Brion and Haut-Brion itself.

From January to March of this year only, the boutique will be selling 41 back vintages of Haut-Brion dating back to 1961, 37 vintages of La Mission Haut-Brion and 32 vintages of Haut-Brion Blanc dating back to 1969.

Prince Robert of Luxembourg, CEO of Domaine Clarence Dillon, said: “In 2015, to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of our family company, Domaine Clarence Dillon, we are following in the footsteps of the Pontac family, previous owners of Haut-Brion, by opening the doors of our new Paris home and inviting epicurean aficionados to step into our little world. In 1666, the Pontacs played a pioneering role when they opened their tavern, Pontack’s Head, in what would later become the City of London.

“Our aim is to build on this tradition by inviting our guests to dine with us and enjoy our fine wines and possibly even to leave with an exceptional bottle, to be savoured at home with family or friends.”

Le Clarence will be open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and Le Cave du Château will likewise be open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 8pm.

Please click through to see more pictures of Hôtel Dillon.

The façade of Hôtel Dillon on 31 avenue Franklin Roosevelt

Le Cave du Château

Restaurant Le Clarence and another view of the Grand Salon (below)

Antoine Pétrus, Christophe Pelé and Prince Robert of Luxembourg in the restaurant.

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