Rocas de Sena, Aconcagua Valley, Chile, 2021

Rocas de Seña is the super second wine of Seña, now fully owned by the Chadwick family. It was started as a joint venture between Eduardo Chadwick, and Robert Mondavi way back in 1995. This is the second release of this wine, which in 2021 is a blend of 35% Malbec, 21% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Grenache, 9% Petit Verdot, and 5% Mourvèdre.

A relatively cool vintage, giving a long slow ripening, then just before harvest the heat climbed and harvest took place from the end of March to middle April, two weeks later than usual, under clear skies. All this makes for a balanced wine with high acidity and aromatics, coupled with good phenolic ripeness. Dense colour, mouthwatering juice that emphasises red cherry fruits, underbrush and dried herbs, giving an intense and fresh take on Mediterranean flavours, helped by the addition of Mouvèdre in this vintage. Fine tannins, giving a chalky texture that sets it apart from Sena. Drink 2025-2036. 92/100 points. Jane Anson

The second vintage of their second wine, the 2021 Rocas de Seña is less opulent and with more tension and floral aromas (but with power too) than the 2020. It was produced with a blend of 35% Malbec, 21% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Grenache, 9% Petit Verdot and, for the first time, 5% Mourvedre... It`s floral, perfumed, elegant and expressive, with herbal freshness and a spicy twist from the barrels. The palate is fine-boned, balanced and elegant. You notice the different aromatic and gustative palette when tasted next to Seña, with fine-grained, chalky tannins. This is a noteworthy second label with drinkability and aging capability. Drink 2024-2030. 94/100 points. Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate)

Dark chocolate, black pepper, herbal fruit - so much nuance and aroma on the nose. Juicy and supple, lively and fun, lots of playful red and black berry flavours with tight, spiced tannins and such lovely grip and personality. A fun, easy-going wine with plenty to like and lots of Cabernet and Malbec signature on show. Vibrant, juicy and stylish with mouthwatering acidity and a pristine, pure and precise aspect to the fruit with lingering liquorice and tobacco on the finish. An enjoyable wine from the cooler 2021 vintage. 9.8% Garnacha, 8.7% Petit Verdot and 5.4% Mourvèdre completes the blend. Drink 2024-2030. 94/100 points. Georgina Hindle (Decanter)

The complex nose presents pomegranate and fresh plum notes with hints of sage, garrigue and flowers over a faint bed of ash. Dry and smooth in the mouth, refreshing acidity supports polished, juicy tannins. A balanced wine of lingering fruity flavour. Quite young right now, it will grow in the bottle. Drink 2025-2036. 93/100 points. Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous)