Sena, Aconcagua Valley 2012

A phenomenal red with aromas of blackberries, licorice, sandalwood and hot stones that turns to cigar box and hints of sweet tea. Full body, incredible depth and concentration, yet there's also agility and playfulness to this. Long, fascinating and balanced. It talks to you. The greatest Seña ever. (Winemaker and owner agree.) There's wonderful purity and beauty. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Better in 2017.

The 2012 Sena is from a cool vineyard on a rocky hillside with some clay, in the middle of the Aconcagua Valley, where there is still some influence from the Pacific Ocean. This wine has always been a blend, and in 2012 it is half Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Carmenere, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Bright and focused, with a nose mixing red fruit, it is also bright-colored, with ripe black fruit and balsamic notes in the shape of tobacco and cedar wood, with a medium-bodied palate, very good freshness and acidity, sophisticated, polished and fine-grained tannins. This is still a baby, but the silky texture makes it accessible now, while the complexity should come with more time. Drink 2015-2022.