Real talk: When two titans of wine—Penfolds and Domaine La Chapelle—cross paths, the result isn’t just a blend. It’s a cultural collision. The 2022 Grange La Chapelle, released at Vinexpo in Paris, is more than a wine; it’s a testament to how disparate worlds can fuse into something transcendent. This isn’t your average Syrah/Shiraz mix. It’s a 50-50 marriage of Australia’s bold Grange and France’s mineral-rich La Chapelle, crafted by winemakers who’ve turned a shared vision into a liquid narrative.
The collaboration began with a simple idea: to bridge hemispheres, soils, and traditions. Caroline Frey and Peter Gago, the minds behind this union, didn’t just blend grapes—they wove a story. The 2022 vintage, born from the Hill of Hermitage and South Australia’s Barossa Valley, is a masterclass in balance. Penfolds’ Grange, aged entirely in new oak, meets La Chapelle’s Syrah, aged in 15% new oak, creating a texture that’s both plush and precise. The result? A wine that feels like a conversation between two continents, its aromas hinting at eucalyptus, black pepper, and a dusty earthiness that’s unmistakably terroir-driven.
What makes this blend extraordinary isn’t just its components but the alchemy of their union. As Gago notes, the 2022 vintage didn’t just work—it excelled. The tannins are fine-grained, the acidity crisp, and the finish lingers with a depth that feels almost otherworldly. It’s a wine that demands patience, unfolding like a mystery revealed in layers. Frey calls it a “conversation between two hemispheres,” and that’s exactly what it is—a dialogue where neither side dominates, but both elevate each other.
Key points: The 2022 Grange La Chapelle is a 50-50 blend of Penfolds Grange and La Chapelle Syrah, crafted by winemakers who’ve turned a shared vision into a liquid narrative. Its success lies in the seamless integration of two distinct terroirs, creating a wine that’s both bold and refined. The rarity of the release, with limited allocations, underscores its exclusivity.
Will this kind of collaboration redefine how we think about terroir, or is it just another chapter in the story of great wines.
What happens when two icons of wine decide to talk? Will this kind of collaboration redefine how we think about terroir, or is it just another chapter in the story of great wines?
Questions & Answers
What grapes are used in Grange La Chapelle 2022?
Grange La Chapelle 2022 is made from 100% Syrah, sourced from the northern Rhône Valley. The blend reflects the terroir of the region, delivering rich, concentrated flavors.
Where is Grange La Chapelle 2022 from?
Grange La Chapelle 2022 comes from the Rhône Valley, France. It’s produced by Domaine de la Janasse, known for its high-quality Syrah-based wines.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
