Vina Sena 2019 375mL
(Aconcagua Valley, Chile) - [JS 98] [WA 98] [VM 96]

About this Wine:
Seña, was created as a joint venture between Chilean Eduardo Chadwick and American Robert Mondavi way back in 1995. Their aim was to make a wine that would demonstrate the full potential of Chile. Modelled on a Bordeaux style, it would have a Chilean soul, with its grapes grown under biodynamic farming principles in the Aconcagua Valley. Their dream was to create a wine that would be welcomed, in time, among the world's First Growths. Seña 2019, its 25th Anniversary vintage, showcases that full potential in a wine of balance, depth and elegance. It yet again champions Chile's Carmenere grape and showcases the grape, the region, and the nation.

Tasting Notes:
"A deep, bright ruby red colour with purple hues, Seña 2019 shows complexity on the nose with red and black fruits aromas and a distinctive freshness. Several layers of aromatics deliver suggestions of pepper, dill and rosemary alongside coffee beans, pastries and vanilla. On the palate Seña shows notes of blueberry pie and cassis cream whilst brimming with fresh-picked red and black fruits. Seña 2019 is a very elegant wine, with great structure, complexity and depth –with notable freshness and polished tannins."
                                                               - Francisco Baettig, Winemaker (February 2021)

Technical Information

Varietal Composition:  60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 15% Carmenere, 4% Petit Verdot
Alcohol: 13.5%
Ageing: 22 months; 90% French oak barrels (80% new); 10% foudres

About the Vintage:
After a mild winter and a shortfall of rains, warm temperatures encouraged a fast spring start with a very healthy bud break, and perfect flowering and fruit set as October to December were warmer than usual.

Although 2019 is considered to be a warm vintage in Chile, our Seña vineyard enjoyed a cooler than average summer, resulting in a total heat summation of 1,478 DD. This was exactly the same as in 2018 and very much in line with our historical records.

Being sited close to the sea and with the benefit of coastal winds, temperatures fortunately cooled during January, March and April, allowing for a long hanging period. This gave rise to a slower accumulation of the sugars needed to balance the gradual softening of tannins and the development of fruit driven flavours: So the wines' fruit intensity and bright acidity was preserved.

The 2019 harvest started on March 15th delivering a rather small crop with complex aromas and flavours. The young wines had a seamless texture, good structure and silky tannins combined with great length, elegance and finesse, that shines out all the way through it. This is a great vintage of Seña which will need some time in bottle to reach its full expression and intensity. Its fresh and vibrant acidity promises tremendous ageing potential.

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - James Suckling:
"Such beautiful aromas of crushed berries, currants, walnuts, allspice and nutmeg follow through to a full body with tight, ultra fine tannins that provide length and intensity. A finish of slightly dried cherries with wet earth, slate and stone. Chewy and fine-grained. A wine with soul and length. Give it time. Drink after 2025." (3/19/2021)

98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2019 Seña was produced with a Bordeaux blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 15% Carmenere and 4% Petit Verdot with the Chilean character of the high percentage of Carmenere. Most of the volume fermented in stainless steel with some 10% in concrete vats, and the final blend matured for 22 months in French oak barrels, 80% of them new, and 10% in Stockinger vats. It's 13.5% alcohol and has good acidity and freshness, coming through as medium-bodied, elegant and balanced. This is incredibly elegant, subtle and harmonious even at this early stage. It has floral aromas, notes of orange peel, a touch of creamy sweet spices and great freshness. The palate is medium-bodied, seamless and pure, with pungent flavors and a soft texture. It's long, clean, defined and super tasty. I feel this wine is getting better and better by the vintage. The grapes were picked quite early, and that helped to contain the ripeness and seems to have been a great decision. There was also an exception in the Panquehue zone where the Seña vines are, where the summer was cooler than the average, so quite different to many other regions in Chile. 100,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2021." - Luis Gutierrez (8/31/2021)

96 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Seña 25 Años is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 15% Carménère and 4% Petit Verdot from Aconcagua Costa. The wine was aged for 22 months, 10% in foudres and the rest in French barrels. A vivid purple in hue, the complex, subtle nose opens up gradually, delivering layer after layer of blackcurrants. Touches of sweet and sour cherry, a twist of raspberry, sweet spices and notes from the aging process, such as nutmeg and cedar, fill the palate. Relaxed in the mouth, the 2019 Seña begins with a juicy, well-integrated freshness that feels light as silk, accompanied by extremely finely grained yet young tannins that sculpt the flow, promising excellent aging potential. The finish lingers long, repeating aromas of blackcurrant and sour cherry." - Joaquin Hidalgo (May 2021)