Seña Eduardo Chadwick/Robert Mondavi 2022
“Seña will always represent the modernity of Chilean wine”
Joaquin Hildalgo, Vinous.com
The 2022 from Chile’s Seña is,“Ever-expanding in the glass, this is a gorgeous, energetic and exuberant example of poise and clarity that should be a pleasure to follow in the cellar.” (WA) Having tasted this earlier today, we can give our firm seal of approval, certainly worth adding a case or two to the cellar.
One of Chile’s icon wines, Seña was created in 1995 by Eduardo Chadwick and Robert Mondavi to prove Chile’s world-class potential. Tim Mondavi (Robert’s son) and Eduardo Chadwick found their perfect site in the Aconcagua valley – Ocoa, after an extensive four-year search focusing on cool climate sites to make fresher, more elegant wines than what was the norm in the mid-1990s. The 42-hectare hillside vineyard was planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. However, the most important variety planted was Carménère to give some Chilean soul to this world class Bordeaux blend.
The 2022 vintage saw ideal growing conditions, which as Hildago points out in his note means, “Compared to other Seña vintages, the 2022 is more intense and nuanced”.
Price: £560 per 6 bottles case (IB)
£624 per 3 Magnums case (IB)
Tasted today, 2022 Sena was showing beautifully and perfectly displayed the recent evolution in the winemaking at the property. The nose had great purity of ripe, sweet black fruit, lavender, liquorice and graphite. The palate is fruit driven up front with great energy and concentration. The influence of the Pacific Ocean brings a lightness of touch and freshness on the midpalate, while the supple tannins are perfectly integrated. With lass new oak now being used in favour of large foudres, Seña is now a way more elegant, balanced and captivating wine. One of Chile’s finest and not to be missed.
Jeroboams
Extremely bright flowers and citrus with graphite, currants and blueberries. The nose is like going into a flower shop. Medium- to full-bodied with extremely polished tannins that caress your palate. Firm at the finish, which tells you that there is plenty coming in the future. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 9% Carmenere, 6% Petit Verdot. Try after 2028, but already open and enticing.
98 Points, James Suckling
The 2022 Seña enters on a reticent note, quietly opening up to reveal a dark, leather-bound nose with hints of turned earth, cedar, licorice and graphite accents that manage a levity and high-toned energy. The palate is lively and spry, driven by bright treble tones balanced with weighty, broad depth and a perfectly suave texture. The finish is juicy yet tense, structured and refined, with impressive length and coiled energy. Ever-expanding in the glass, this is a gorgeous, energetic and exuberant example of poise and clarity that should be a pleasure to follow in the cellar. It’s a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 9% Carmenere and 6% Petit Verdot aged 18 months mainly in French barrique with some foudre. Drink 2025-2042.
97 Points, Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate
The 2022 Seña is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 9% Carménère and 6% Petit Verdot, sourced from the Seña vineyard in Ocoa, Aconcagua Valley. Aged for 20 months, 85% in French oak barrels (66% new) and 15% in foudres, this garnet wine offers a garrigue like aroma with notes of raspberry, blackberry and flowers over a deep cedar core. Dry and juicy on the palate, the grippy and plush tannins lead to a flavorful and balanced mouthfeel. Compared to other Seña vintages, the 2022 is more intense and nuanced. Drink 2026-2038.
96 Points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous