Penfolds Releases Grange La Chapelle: A Landmark Syrah-Shiraz Fusion
The Rebirth of Two Icons
In a rare and bold move in the world of fine wine, Penfolds has launched a revolutionary bottle: Grange La Chapelle. This new release brings together two legendary wine traditions by blending Australia’s powerful Shiraz with France’s refined Syrah. This union is not just a technical experiment but a symbolic reunion of two iconic wines—Penfolds Grange and La Chapelle from Paul Jaboulet Aîné.
A Cross-Continent Concept Comes to Life
The idea originated from a shared vision between the Chief Winemakers of Penfolds and Paul Jaboulet Aîné. With the aim of uniting their respective flagship grape varieties grown across hemispheres, they crafted a truly global wine. This blend spans continents, combining grapes from the Barossa and McLaren Vale regions in Australia with those from Hermitage in France’s Rhône Valley.
The Blend That Breaks Boundaries
Grange La Chapelle is crafted from 50% French Syrah and 50% Australian Shiraz. The careful selection of the parcels was crucial to balance the bold, dark fruit flavors of Barossa with the spiced, mineral-rich character of Hermitage. The result is a complex wine of intensity and finesse, with notes of blackberry, licorice, and violet, supported by fine tannins and a long finish.
A Collaborative Effort in Winemaking
This wine stands as a testament to winemaking partnership beyond borders. Though made separately—blended by Penfolds for their Grange style and by Paul Jaboulet for their La Chapelle—the final product merges both approaches, showcasing what’s possible when two wine philosophies meet. This collaboration also celebrates relationships formed through the companies’ shared ownership under the same wine group.
An Exceptional Vintage
The fruit was sourced from the 2021 vintage in Australia and the 2020 vintage in France—two years that brought ideal conditions to produce expressive and age-worthy wines. The pairing of these vintages allowed for a harmonious integration of freshness, richness, and perfume into one bottle.
Limited Release With Lasting Impact
Only 1,200 bottles of Grange La Chapelle have been produced, making it an ultra-rare collector’s item. Beyond the exclusivity, this wine signals an exciting future for cross-regional blends. Penfolds continues to stretch the boundaries of traditional winemaking, embracing innovation while honoring classic wine regions.
A Nod to Wine Legacy
This release recalls a crucial moment in history. In 1953, Max Schubert, the creator of Penfolds Grange, toured Europe and tasted La Chapelle. That experience helped shape his vision for an age-worthy Australian red. Now, seven decades later, these two wines are finally united in the same bottle.
What This Means for the Wine World
Grange La Chapelle is more than a luxury release—it opens dialogue on what modern winemaking can be. As global palettes evolve and wine regions look beyond borders, collaborations like this pave the way for new classics that merge the old world with the new.
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Questions Answered
What type of wine is Grange La Chapelle?
It is a blend of Australian Shiraz and French Syrah, combining grapes from Barossa and Hermitage.
Is this a limited edition?
Yes, only 1,200 bottles have been released, designed for collectors and connoisseurs.
What vineyards contributed to this blend?
Barossa and McLaren Vale in Australia, and Hermitage in the Rhône Valley of France.
How does it compare to traditional Grange or La Chapelle?
It brings together elements of both styles—Grange’s power and structure with La Chapelle’s elegance and spice.
Who made the wine?
Chief Winemakers Peter Gago (Penfolds) and Caroline Frey (Paul Jaboulet Aîné) led the collaboration.
When will it be available?
Grange La Chapelle was officially introduced in 2024 and is being distributed in select international markets.