A new wine, born of an unlikely yet harmonious partnership between two iconic winemakers from different hemispheres, is set to redefine the world of fine wine. Grange La Chapelle 2021 blends the best of French tradition with the innovation of Australian craft, bringing together the historic and renowned vineyards of La Chapelle in France and Penfolds Grange in Australia.
The story behind this creation is one of collaboration between two legendary figures in the wine world: Caroline Frey, Chief Winemaker at La Chapelle, and Peter Gago, Chief Winemaker at Penfolds. Their long-standing friendship and mutual respect for each other’s work led to an unexpected yet thrilling union of two distinct wine cultures. Together, they sought to explore what Syrah and Shiraz could achieve when drawn from such contrasting geographies and soils.
For this inaugural vintage, the blend comprises 50% La Chapelle Syrah, sourced from the steep, sun-drenched slopes of the Hill of Hermitage in France, and 50% Penfolds Grange Shiraz, harvested from a collection of select vineyards in South Australia, including the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley. The result is a wine that marries the distinctive characteristics of both varietals—French Syrah and Australian Shiraz—creating an elegant yet bold expression of their shared ancestry.
The collaboration was not without risk. Frey and Gago both acknowledge that blending two flagship wines, each representing the pinnacle of its respective country’s wine traditions, was an ambitious endeavour. However, after many discussions, they agreed that the time was right to embark on this project.
Grange La Chapelle 2021 is described as a wine of balance and identity. It is both bold and elegant, structured yet expressive, with each varietal contributing its unique qualities. Caroline Frey noted, “As the project progressed, I saw the elegance in Grange and the strength in La Chapelle,” reflecting the synergy they achieved in the final product.
This wine is a celebration of the shared history of Syrah and Shiraz, as well as the potential for future collaboration. Although the 2021 vintage is the first, it is intended to become an annual release, contingent on the whims of nature.
The Grange La Chapelle 2021 was officially launched in a glittering, invite-only black-tie event in Paris on February 9, 2025. Hosted by Frey and Gago at the Monnaie de Paris, the launch event was attended by a select group of global wine enthusiasts. With limited availability, this rare wine will be offered through Penfolds’ direct-to-consumer channels in Australia and the United States, alongside a small allocation for select global buyers.
Retailing at AUD $3,500 per 750ml bottle in Australia and €2,600 in France, Grange La Chapelle 2021 offers a rare and exceptional tasting experience, making it a prized addition to the wine world’s most discerning collections.
For more details, visit grangexlachapelle.com.
