Tucked away in a broad, dramatic amphitheater of the Aconcagua river valley in Chile, an organic and biodynamically farmed vineyard belonging to the Vina Errazuriz winery forms the foundation for a wine that feels equally broad and dramatic. This now-iconic wine was named Sena for the “signal” its creators wanted to send to the world that Chile was capable of making more than value table wine. It’s a tapestry of Bordeaux varieties, driven by Cabernet Sauvignon with the details and accents of South American favorites Malbec and Carmenere, and hints from Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Luxury wine drinkers will appreciate the attention to detail that goes into crafting Sena, which owes much to two big names of Napa and Bordeaux. The wine began as a collaboration between Eduardo Chadwick of this family-run winery, which goes back to 1870, and Napa icon Robert Mondavi, along with the help of internationally renowned Bordeaux specialist, Michel Rolland. The result is a wine that has reached the heights of critical acclaim, and will satisfy fans of concentrated Napa Valley reds, super-Tuscans, and modern Bordeaux. Even better, this sunny, semi-Mediterranean land offers their best at a value compared to the ever-increasing prices of those other regions!
WINE ADVOCATE 97 POINTS – “The 2020 Seña is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 15% Carmenere and 7% Petit Verdot (a little higher in search of acidity) from grapes harvested early, the second week of March, and fermented mostly in stainless steel and 10% in concrete eggs. It has a moderate 13.5% alcohol and good freshness. It’s subtle and layered, not only fruit but with more spice; it has polished tannins and very integrated oak after 22 months in barrique, 78% new, and with 10% of the volume in large Stockinger barrels. The warmer years seem to be nicely managed, so that it’s not reflected in the ripeness but is more a matter of texture and quality of the tannins; in the warmer years, like 2017 or this 2019, the wines have a little more grip, but these are definitely finer than those from the 2017 vintage. This wine has intensity and complexity, with no mintiness or herbal notes; it’s spicy and juicy, with energy and depth. It has structure, color, stuffing and acidity to develop nicely in bottle.”
