Sena - Valle De Aconcagua 2016

Vinous

93

byJoaquin Hidalgothe3/1/2020

Seña 2016 is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, 8% Carménère and 5% Cabernet Franc, all from Aconcagua, that spent 22 months in French oak, 73% of it new. A ripe, complex nose of cassis and raspberry jam with sweet spices from the ageing. Fresh and juicy on the palate with a taut texture of firm, precise tannins and a bold, lengthy finish. Will age well in the bottle.

Wine Spectator

95

byKim Marcusthe5/29/2019

Elegant, rich and finely textured, with concentrated and pure-tasting flavors of dried cherry, raspberry and red currant, framed by medium-grained tannins. The polished finish features sandalwood and dried savory spice notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenère and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2025. 8,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate

97

byLuis Gutierrezthe10/31/2018

The truly excellent 2016 Seña could very well be the finest wine produced at this estate that started as a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Eduardo Chadwick and now continues under the guidance of Chadwick and the excellent hand of winemaker Francisco "Pancho" Baettig. The grapes were picked later in 2016, and the final blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, 8% Carmenere and 5% Cabernet Franc, with more Malbec and considerably less Carmenere than in the past. This is "only" 13.5% alcohol and has remarkable acidity and freshness, as well as overall balance and elegance that surpasses all previous vintages. Twelve percent of the volume matured in oak foudres, while the rest was aged in barrique (73% new) for 22 months. Even so, the wine is not oaky and comes through as harmonious and elegant within the house style. It's serious, dry and elegant, with zero concessions to sweetness. A mineral and profound red blend. 72,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2018.

Winemaker Francisco Baettig keeps pushing the envelope and is producing more and more harmonious wines, here and in the other wineries from the group.

Jamessuckling.com

98

byJames Sucklingthe3/16/2018

Aromas are lifted and bright in this wine with loads of blackberries and blueberries. Full body, velvety tannins. Gorgeous texture. Very pure fruit. A bright and more fundamental Seña than last vintages. Restrained at the end. 55% cabernet, 20% malbec, 12% petit verdot, 8% carmenere, 5% cabernet franc. September 2018 release. Needs three or four years of bottle age.