Penfolds : Grange x La Chapelle 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for Penfolds Grange x La Chapelle 2021

Tasting

Color
The color stands out for its bright brilliance and deep density, revealing an intense core and purple highlights around the rim.

Nose
Initially discreet, the nose gradually gains in liveliness to reveal a captivating complexity. It opens with aromas of rhubarb, blackberry and dark fruits, accompanied by notes of licorice and black pepper. Oak brings touches of cedar and musk, along with a scent suggestive of patchouli, evoking a damp, sweet forest with hints of vetiver, pine and cypress. Overall, it expresses the grape variety and style more than the geographic origin.

Palate
The palate immediately charms with its appeal and balance. Medium-bodied, it reveals remarkable precision with flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, wild raspberry and musk. Measured acidity and savory intensity bring bright, crunchy energy. The structure impresses with its length, depth and breadth, forming a complete and harmonious whole.

Serving and cellaring
Grange x La Chapelle 2021 can be cellared until around 2049, likely longer.

A historic collaboration bringing together the Rhône Valley and South Australia

The estate
Founded in 1844 by Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold and his wife Mary near Adelaide, Penfolds has established itself as a leading reference in the New World. Now owned by Treasury Wine Estates, the estate shines internationally thanks to its outstanding age-worthy syrahs and its innovative approach to multi-terroir blending.

The wine

The result of a collaboration between two iconic wine estates, the French estate La Chapelle and Penfolds, Grange x La Chapelle 2021 is made from 100% syrah (also known as shiraz), split equally between the Hermitage hill in the Rhône Valley and selected parcels from Australia (South Australia) (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley).

The vintage
The 2021 vintage presents contrasting conditions between the two hemispheres. In Hermitage, spring was marked by frosts requiring the protection of the vines with candles, followed by frequent rains until mid-July that increased disease pressure. From mid-July onward, the weather became warmer and drier. In South Australia, the growing season was nearly ideal: a wet August preceded a healthy spring, budbreak and flowering in warm conditions. The hot summer unfolded without heatwaves, followed by a mild February–March allowing for orderly harvesting. The selected parcels delivered grapes with concentrated flavors, generous tannins and thick skins.

Vinification and aging
Grange x La Chapelle 2021 results from an equal blend of two distinct components. The Grange component is aged in 100% new American oak barrels, with fermentation finishing in these same vessels after racking. Selected press fractions are incorporated. The La Chapelle component benefits from aging in barrels, 20% of which are new. Rigorous parcel selection precedes the final blend.

Grape variety
100% Syrah.