Seña 2022

Seña is Chile's pioneering icon red, founded by Eduardo Chadwick in the Aconcagua Valley north of Santiago. The estate vineyard climbs granite hillsides between the Andes and the coastal range, where cool Pacific air and a marked day to night temperature swing slow ripening and preserve freshness in a warm, dry climate. The blend leads on Cabernet Sauvignon with Malbec, Carmenère and Petit Verdot, farmed biodynamically on poor, well drained granitic soils that curb vigour and concentrate the fruit. After a careful, plot by plot fermentation the wine spends around 18 months in French oak barrels, a measured élevage that softens tannin and adds cedar and spice while letting the site speak. It is deep violet edged ruby, with cassis, ripe raspberry, black cherry, graphite and a leafy, herbal lift over firm, polished tannins and a long finish. The structure rewards a few years in the cellar. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted an hour or two ahead, with prime rib, venison or aged hard cheese.