Penfolds : Grange x La Chapelle 2021

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Penfolds Grange x La Chapelle 2021

Tasting

Colour
The colour stands out for its luminous brilliance and deep density, revealing an intense core with purple hues around the rim.

Nose
Initially discreet, the nose gradually gains vibrancy to reveal a captivating complexity. It opens with aromas of rhubarb, blackberry and dark fruits, accompanied by notes of liquorice and black pepper. The oak brings touches of cedar and musk, along with a scent reminiscent of patchouli, evoking a damp, sweet forest with associations of vetiver, pine and cypress. Overall, the wine expresses more of the grape variety and style than its geographical origin.

Palate
The palate immediately charms with its appeal and balance. Medium-bodied, it reveals remarkable precision with flavours of black cherry, pomegranate, wild raspberry and musk. The measured acidity and savoury character bring a lively, crisp energy. The structure impresses with its length, depth and breadth, forming a complete and harmonious whole.

Service and storage
The Grange x La Chapelle 2021 can be kept until around 2049, probably longer.

A historic collaboration uniting 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 major reference of the New World. Now owned by Treasury Wine Estates, the estate enjoys international renown thanks to its exceptional age-worthy Shiraz wines and its innovative approach to multi-terroir blends.

The wine

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

The vintage
The 2021 vintage presented contrasting conditions between the two hemispheres. In Hermitage, spring was marked by frosts requiring vine protection with candles, followed by frequent rain until mid-July, increasing disease pressure. From mid-July onwards, the weather turned warmer and drier. In South Australia, the growing season was almost ideal: a humid August preceded a healthy spring, with budburst and flowering occurring in warm conditions. The warm summer passed without any heatwaves, followed by a mild February–March that allowed for an orderly harvest. The selected parcels yielded grapes with concentrated flavours, generous tannins and thick skins.

Winemaking and ageing
The 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 completed in the same vessels after drainage. Selected pressings are incorporated. The La Chapelle component is aged in barrels, 20% of which are new. A rigorous selection of parcels precedes the final blend.

Grape variety
100% Syrah.