Sena 2017

Seña, situated in the heart of the Aconcagua Valley in Chile, is a beacon of excellence in South American winemaking. Founded as a collaborative venture between two renowned figures in the wine world, Eduardo Chadwick of Chile and the late Robert Mondavi of California, Seña has become a benchmark for quality and innovation in the Chilean wine landscape.

Established in 1995, Seña was a groundbreaking project from its inception. The founders aimed to create a wine that would transcend borders, showcasing the unique terroir of the Aconcagua Valley while incorporating the expertise and traditions of both Chilean and Californian winemaking. This dedication to excellence and cross-cultural collaboration has positioned Seña as a leading icon in the world of New World wines.

The estate's vineyards are meticulously tended, benefiting from the diverse microclimates and soils of the Aconcagua Valley. Seña is celebrated for its Bordeaux-style blends, typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon but also featuring other classic varietals, creating wines of depth, structure, and complexity.

Seña Winery is not merely a producer of exceptional wines; it is a testament to the potential of Chilean terroir and the vision of its founders. Visitors to Seña are treated not only to exquisite tastings but also to an exploration of the estate's commitment to sustainable and organic practices, reflecting a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity in the pursuit of winemaking excellence.

"They explained how the 2017 Seña was produced with "grapes that were handpicked in the morning and transported to the winery in 12-kilogram boxes for a careful inspection on a double sorting table. The grapes fermented in stainless steel tanks at 25 to 31 degrees Celsius (77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit), depending on the variety and the level of extraction desired. Three pump-overs were carried out daily during fermentation to rotate the volume of the tank 0.5 to 1.5 times. Total maceration time ranged from 15 to 30 days for the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Carmenère and eight to 12 days for the Petit Verdot, according to the development of each block vinified. The final blend was racked to French oak barrels (67% new) and aged for 22 months, during which time malolactic fermentation and stabilization occurred naturally." They harvested early and managed to keep the same alcohol level as the 2016. This has less aromatic exuberance and is a more serious vintage with good concentration and weight, not as aerial as the 2016. They increased the amount of wine matured in larger 2,500-liter foudres instead of barrique. This is more powerful, structured and concentrated, like a drier version of the 2015, with some grainy tannins, more acidity, more austerity and less primary fruit. The tannins have some grip (the earlier harvest perhaps?) and might need a little bit of time in bottle, and the wine seems to have what it takes to develop nicely in bottle. They produced 120,000 bottles of this. It was bottled in February and March 2019. Just for the record, the varietal breakdown is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 15% Carmenère, 10% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot, reflecting a good year for Carmenère and Cabernet Franc." - Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate (2/28/2020), Ratings: 96+, Drink: 2020-2030