2023 Seña

the history of Seña

Seña was born in 1995 from an ambitious project by Eduardo Chadwick and Robert Mondavi. Their goal: to create a wine that would demonstrate that Chile was capable of producing world-class wines. With the first vintage, released in 1997, Seña immediately established itself as Chile's first truly iconic wine. The project marked a turning point and paved the way for other Chilean ultra-premium wines. Seña is now one of the most recognized names in the international wine world. Moreover, for the past fifteen years, the wine has been produced biodynamically, with respect for nature and terroir at its core.

vineyard and terroir

Seña’s vineyards are located in the Aconcagua Valley, north of Santiago and not far from the Pacific Ocean. This location creates an ideal microclimate: warm days ensuring optimal ripening, combined with cooling sea breezes and nighttime cooling, which preserves freshness. The soils consist of loam, clay, and volcanic rock, contributing to the wine’s structure and mineral tension. This unique terroir gives Seña its characteristic depth and layering.

the harvest year 2023

The 2023 vintage is characterized as warmer than previous years, yet the winemakers managed to maintain the balance between ripe fruit, freshness, and elegance. Thanks to careful vineyard management and biodynamic methods, the team was able to harvest grapes that are both powerful and refined. The blend consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Malbec, 15% Carménère, and 6% Petit Verdot. This composition results in a wine that is rich in fruit while simultaneously being complex and refined. The wine aged for 18 months, 90% of which was in French barriques (70% new) and 10% in foudres, adding structure and subtle wood notes without overpowering the fruit.

vinification and aging

All grapes are hand-picked and carefully selected. After fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barriques, followed by aging for a year and a half in predominantly new French oak. This approach gives Seña 2023 its characteristic balance between power and elegance, with silky tannins, a refined structure, and a complex aromatic profile. Thanks to the combination of barriques and foudres, the wine retains its freshness and gains an extra dimension of minerality.

Tasting notes of the 2023 Seña

The color is deep ruby red. On the nose, the wine opens with an expressive and layered bouquet of red berries, cassis, mint, and spices, with subtle notes of graphite, cedarwood, and vanilla. On the palate, the wine displays ripe cherries, blueberries, and plums, complemented by nuances of cocoa, tobacco, and fine spices. The tannins are soft and polished, making the wine more accessible and friendlier than in cooler vintages. The finish is long, mineral, and refined, with a touch of salinity that gives the wine tension.

Wine Advocate (96/100) praised the fresh style and called the wine impressively balanced, with a mineral undertone and an elegant, lingering finish. James Suckling (99/100) emphasized the refinement, drinkability, and depth, calling the wine one of the most accessible and refined Señas of recent years.

Why order Seña 2023?

Seña 2023 demonstrates that an absolute world-class wine can emerge even in a warmer year. It is a wine that combines power and elegance, with a more accessible profile than previous vintages, without sacrificing complexity. With its balance, depth, and impressive reviews, it is an iconic wine that belongs in the cellar of every serious connoisseur and sommelier. Seña can be enjoyed now, but also has the potential to develop further over the next twenty years.

Order wines from the winery in question online?

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

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Food and wine pairings with the 2023 Seña

• Grilled sirloin with chimichurri – the spicy sauce accentuates the fresh notes and ripe fruit of the wine.
• Leg of lamb with rosemary and thyme – the savory flavors harmonize beautifully with the soft tannins and spicy undertone.
• Pasta with wild boar ragù – the deep meat flavors find balance in the elegant structure and fruitiness of Seña.
• Risotto with truffle and Parmesan – the creamy texture and earthy notes accentuate the complexity and length of the wine.
• Grilled eggplant and bell pepper with pecorino – the roasted vegetable and cheese notes enhance the fresh acidity and spicy nuances.
• Venison steak with cocoa and red wine sauce – the rich game flavors align seamlessly with the layers of dark berries and tobacco in the wine.