Sena 2023 Vina Sena

Tasting Notes

Aromas of black currant and black plum unfold first, followed by notes of graphite, dried herbs, and the subtle violet aroma characteristic of Malbec. The Carmenère does not exhibit the greenish pyrazine aroma typical of early harvests, but instead reveals notes of black pepper and crushed bay leaf. On the palate, there are fine-grained tannins, a distinct freshness in the mid-palate, and a long finish with a pleasant hint of iron. This is not a wine with explosive fruitiness. It is designed to be enjoyed with a meal and for aging in the cellar.

Grape Varieties

The blend contains 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Malbec. Carmenère (15%) adds the notes of spice and black pepper characteristic of Chilean wines, along with a rich texture that unfolds on the palate. Petit Verdot is 6%. The blend’s proportions vary each year depending on the yield of each variety.

Cellaring Potential

The wine will be ready to drink around 2027, and it will reach its peak between 2030 and 2045. The 2023 vintage features dense tannins and acidity that allow for extended aging, while the cool Ocoa region lends this Chilean Cabernet, which requires extended aging, the necessary freshness. Store horizontally at a temperature of 12–14 °C. After 10 years, the fruity aromas will give way to notes of cedar, tobacco, and leather.

The Producer

The history of “Seña” began in 1991, when Eduardo Chadwick accompanied Robert Mondavi on a road trip through various regions of Chile. Mondavi’s advice was clear: “If you want Chile to appear on the world wine map, make wines in the Bordeaux style.” Over the next four years, a search for the optimal plots was conducted, and the first vintage was released in 1995. At the 2004 Berlin Wine Tasting, the 2001 “Seña” came second, beaten only by the 2000 Château Lafite Rothschild and finishing ahead of Château Margaux and Château Latour, which cemented its reputation once and for all. Since no other Chilean winery has achieved such success, our store continues to include wines from this winery in its selection.

Terroir & Climate

The “Seña” vineyards are located in the hilly terrain above Ocoa, about 40 kilometers inland from the coast. Thanks to their relatively close proximity to the coast, every afternoon the vineyards are swept by cool air from the Pacific Ocean, carried by the Humboldt Current, which lowers the temperature. Without this breeze, the valley would be too hot to produce high-quality wine. The soil is a mixture of weathered granite, colluvial deposits, and volcanic rock; it is well-drained, which encourages the grapevines’ roots to penetrate deeply. It is precisely this stress that gives the wine its structure and freshness. Since 2005, biodynamic farming methods have been used here.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand, after which they are sorted and destemmed. Fermentation takes place mainly in stainless steel tanks, while a portion of the grapes is fermented in concrete tanks. Stainless steel preserves the pure flavor of the berries, while concrete imparts a moderate texture to the wine without the influence of oak. Aging lasts 18 to 22 months in French oak barrels. New barriques (225-liter Bordeaux barrels) are primarily used, while some of the wine is aged in foudres (large oak barrels). The use of foudres is a wise decision in this case. It gives the wine structure without overpowering the fruity notes with aromas of vanilla or toasted bread.

Food Pairing

Tannins require fats and proteins to balance them out. Here are a few dishes that pair well with this wine:

• Chilean “asado”: beef ribs roasted over charcoal. Their smoky aroma pairs perfectly with Carmenère
• “Cordero al palo”: lamb on a spit. A classic pairing typical of this region
• “Côte de bœuf” with shallots. A simple and straightforward pairing
• Hard cheeses, such as aged “Manchego.” Their umami softens the tannins

Serve at 17 °C. Decant the wine one hour before serving. Allow extra time for this, especially with the 2022 vintage.