Seña 2017

Seña is a unique, 6000-case-per-year Bordeaux blend made in the Aconcagua Valley just north of Santiago, originally founded by Eduardo Chadwick in cooperation with the late American wine icon Robert Mondavi. Eduardo found the right place in the astonishing Valle de Aconcagua after an exhaustive quest for the appropriate terroir. The valley is overseen by Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the southwestern hemisphere, and enjoys a Mediterranean climate.

Certified biodynamic since 2005, Seña treats the conservation of the environment with the utmost importance. As of 2005, the project belongs entirely to Chadwick, who also heads Viñedo Chadwick and Viña Errazuriz. The property is a 42-hectare mountain vineyard with blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Although the vines are very young, having been planted specially for Seña, it means the perfect proportions of grape varietals can be used, including a splash of the oh-so-Chilean Carmenere’s decadent, unending complexity. This makes it for now simply unbeatable in Chile.

Summer reached a heat summation that was 1% higher than our average records. Even though January had warm days, veraison arrived 10 days later than average due to delays held over from the cool spring. The warm summer weather continued all throughout February, allowing the crop to homogenise before getting into the cool days of March that slowed down the ripening process.

The harvest at our Seña vineyard reached maturity later than in the previous season. It was mostly concentrated during the first fortnight of April, except for the Malbec, which was picked in late March, and the Carmenere, picked during the last week of April, just after the rains that arrived halfway through the month, reaching historical records of 79 mm.

The wines have deliciously round tannins and are bolstered by a bright and balanced level of acidity. The flavours of each varietal truly stand out in this vintage, and the quality of the wines is a testament to the quality of Seña’s terroir.

Notes and Reviews

James Suckling (99/100)

The aromas of blackberries, cedar, sandalwood and black tea are compelling. Black olives. Rosemary and sage undertones. Full-bodied, rich and powerful Seña with impressive and powerful tannins, yet harmony and balance. Fruit-forward. Lightly chewy. Fresh and energetic wine in a hot year. Broad-shouldered. Drink after 2022

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