Syrah and Shiraz have been two sides of the same coin—technically the same grape, yet expressing themselves in wildly different ways depending on where they’re grown.  The French call it Syrah, and it’s the backbone of the Rhône’s boldest and most structured reds. The Australians call it Shiraz, and it’s the iconic lifeblood of the country’s powerful fruit-forward wines.

Now, Penfolds and Domaine de La Chapelle have decided it’s time to bring the two back together in the Grange La Chapelle 2021, a Syrah-Shiraz blend that combines the DNA of France’s historic Hermitage Hill with Australia’s old-vine terroirs.

It all started with a long-standing friendship between Caroline Frey, Chief Winemaker of La Chapelle, and Penfolds’ Chief Winemaker Peter Gago. The two have been exchanging ideas and wondered what would happen if you reunited the variety in a blending of old-world structure with new-world power, shaped by two vastly different winemaking traditions.

The composition is of two equal parts: 50% Syrah from La Chapelle, grown on the steep slopes of Hermitage in France, and 50% Shiraz from Penfolds’ chosen plots across South Australia, including Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and Clare Valley. Some of these vines date back to the 19th century and had been blissfully untouched by phylloxera, the devastating vine pest that wiped out most of Europe’s historic vineyards.  French Syrah is known for its savoury depth, spice and restrained terroir-driven nuances, while Australian Shiraz brings plush fruit, liquorice and spice. The blend seeks to showcase both personalities in equal measure—bold yet elegant, structured yet expressive. 

“As the project progressed, I saw the elegance in Grange and the strength in La Chapelle,” said Caroline Frey.

This is the first vintage of Grange La Chapelle, and while nothing in the wine world is ever guaranteed, Penfolds and La Chapelle hope to make this an annual release—if nature allows it. Synchronising harvests is no small feat, but if all goes well, the Grange La Chapelle could become a yearly exercise in both patience and precision.

Penfolds and La Chapelle point towards prior events where their paths crossed, including a historic tasting organised by The Institute of Masters of Wine, as well as a Hermitage Luncheon in New York. That particular lunch saw winemaking greats Max Schubert and Gérard Jaboulet pour two icons of their time—1971 Penfolds Grange and 1978 Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle.

“When things are real, all quickly becomes self-evident … This friendship created an idea, this idea became a trial, the trial became a wine," shared Peter Gago. 

The production and distribution is small. A limited allocation will be available through Penfolds’ direct-to-consumer channels in Australia and the USA, while just 18 retailers worldwide have so far been invited to sell the wine to private customers.  

The 750ml RRP is set at AUD $3,500 in Australia and €2,600 in France – more information could be found on the blend's official website.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team