2021 Grange La Chapelle
Prezzo di mercato
Opzioni di acquisto
Note di degustazione
50% Grange and 50% Jaboulet La Chapelle Hermitage. It's Grange alright: the sweet oak, luscious fruit and opulent spice guarantees that. That nose really is delicious; underneath the oak adornment there is pure bramble fruit, plum and dried fruits, too. The palate shows more of the Rhône – more restrained, savoury fruit, perhaps typical of Hermitage at this young age – while the opulent Aussie becomes less outspoken. What's really impressive is how seamless the blend is; no crowbar was needed. There's a dense, long finish that doesn't seem peppery, but does have some of the violet scent that is typical for Syrah. Sometimes, these cross-cultural blends can be arbitrary, but it's a relief to find that this is a genuinely delicious wine, not only well made but a lovely cognitive experience as well, puzzling out the different flavours and styles. Whatever you think of Penfolds and their ever-expanding range, you can't argue with the evidence in the glass. The score is tentative; I fully expect this will improve. (RH)
Punteggi della critica
Punteggio medio
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
Altre recensioni e punteggi
This will always be a 50:50 blend of Hermitage La Chapelle and Grange. If that ever proves impossible, the wine won’t be released. According to Peter Gago, the ulterior motive for creating this wine is to effectively legitimise trans-hemispherical blends. It was much criticised by the UK fine-wine trade for its price but, according to Gago, the Australian allocation sold out in a week. The 2022 will be released early next year. Heady nose and recognisably northern Rhône in influence. Savoury and fun, actually. Not sure I can see the Grange influence. ‘In France it’s been very well accepted,’ says Gago. Long and very appealing to a European. Very dry finish. (JR)
This extraordinary intercontinental blend of French syrah and Australian shiraz is a great cloud of spices and smoke. Extremely rich and plush, this has a unique texture on the full-bodied, wide-screen palate. The very fine-grained tannins anchor this masterpiece that marries the boldness of Grange at the front with the coolness of La Chapelle at the extremely long finish. The first vintage of this limited production wine that looks set to become a collector’s item. Drink or hold.
Two names that are so iconic you almost are nervous to taste this collab in case it ends up taking something away from each of them, but you can rest easy. What you get is a barnstorming wine, gorgeous deep plum colour, brooding on the opening then softening to show finessed architecture, a graceful caress that contrasts with the physicality of the tannins and the concentration of the fruit. Whispers of violet and peony aromatics, incense, roses, gingerbread, cocoa bean, hoisin plum, fresh redcurrant and crushed raspberry, with a wash of grilled sandalwood on the finish. A straight 50/50 blend of Grange Shiraz and La Chapelle Syrah, vinified and blended by Peter Gago and Caroline Frey. A legend arrives.