The 2017 Sena 375ml from Aconcagua, Chile is a true expression of its terroir. With a deep ruby red hue, this wine entices with aromas of black cherry, plum, and dark chocolate, followed by hints of tobacco and earthy notes. On the palate, it displays a beautiful balance of ripe fruit and subtle tannins, with a velvety texture that coats the mouth. The complex layers of flavours include blackberry, cassis, and a touch of vanilla, leading to a long and satisfying finish. This vintage showcases the expertise of Seña, a renowned Chilean winery, in crafting a bold and elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. With its outstanding structure and depth, the 2017 Sena is a wine to be savoured and enjoyed with a hearty meal.
Critic Reviews
99 POINTS
James Suckling
The aromas of blackberries, cedar, sandalwood and black tea are compelling. Black olives. Rosemary and sage undertones. Full-bodied, rich and powerful Seña with impressive and powerful tannins, yet harmony and balance. Fruit-forward. Lightly chewy. Fresh and energetic wine in a hot year. Broad-shouldered. Drink after 2022.
97 POINTS
Marina Gayan MW - Decanter
Francisco Baettig harvested this Bordeaux blend 20 days early to deliver this elegant, bright, somehow subdued wine. Complex herbs, cassis and cedar layered with figs and plums. Stylish palate, juicy concentration and a grainy, textured structure, framed by a vibrant acidity. Fluid and elegant.
96 POINTS
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
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.
96 POINTS
Luis Gutierrez - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
96+ 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 (more...)
94 POINTS
Joaquin Hidalgo - Vinous
Seña 2017 is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 15% Carménère, 10% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot from Aconcagua that spent 22 months in 70% new oak. On the nose it has expressive young violets, licorice and mint while it is powerful and juicy on the palate with fine tannins, a rough texture and provocative finish. Will improve in the bottle.
Winemakers Notes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw8O0toD3T0
Hot and sunny days marked the 2017 season. Nevertheless, thanks to its privileged coastal location in the Aconcagua Valley -only 40 kilometers away from the Pacic Ocean - the cool breezes that blow in moderated the temperatures. ‑is combination of factors allowed Seña to reach perfect ripeness with a unique balance between concentration and power alongside tension, elegance and freshness. At the outset of the season until July 30, the soils in our Seña vineyard were fully replenished with generous water reserves with rains totaling 282 mm, all concentrated in winter, much higher than the historical average for that same period of 180 mm.
The following months lead to a dry spring, with average temperatures well above our records in August and September, enabling an early bud break that occurred 15 days before the historical dates. Flowering also came in advance due to an increase of 18% in November’s heat summation. Continuing with this trend, a perfectly homogenous veraison began 15 days prior to historical dates, given the higher heat summation recorded from October to January. Summer also followed with high temperatures. ‑is, together with low yields, 34% lower than historical averages (Cabernet Sauvignon plots average was 3,2 Ton/ha, while for Carmenere was 3,8 Ton/ha), set the stage for an e arly vintage. ‑e tracking and control of the ripeness and harvest decision, that got ahead 20 days compared to historical dates, were fundamental to preserve the freshness and elegance style of our Seña wine. Once the season came to an end, we were able to conclude that ripeness of the skins developed marvelously, along with intense flavor concentration. Seña 2017 owns a delicate balance between power and elegance; ripe, rounded, polished and very ne-grained tannins, along with complexity and freshness projecting an amazing ageing potential.
Blend
52% Cabernet Sauvignon
15% Malbec
15% Carmenere
10% Cabernet Franc
8% Petit Verdot
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Tasting Notes
The 2017 Sena 375ml from Aconcagua, Chile is a true expression of its terroir. With a deep ruby red hue, this wine entices with aromas of black cherry, plum, and dark chocolate, followed by hints of tobacco and earthy notes. On the palate, it displays a beautiful balance of ripe fruit and subtle tannins, with a velvety texture that coats the mouth. The complex layers of flavours include blackberry, cassis, and a touch of vanilla, leading to a long and satisfying finish. This vintage showcases the expertise of Seña, a renowned Chilean winery, in crafting a bold and elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. With its outstanding structure and depth, the 2017 Sena is a wine to be savoured and enjoyed with a hearty meal.
