What has been the journey of three exceptional Chilean red wines since they triumphed over Bordeaux’s finest in a pivotal tasting held in 2004?
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Elin McCoy shares insights from her three-day vertical tasting with Eduardo Chadwick in Chile, exploring the characteristics and evolution of Errázuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve, Seña, and Viñedo Chadwick.
The story kicks off on January 23, 2004, at The Ritz-Carlton in Berlin. Envision an elegant hall adorned with crystal chandeliers, where over thirty international wine aficionados are gathered at long tables for a remarkable blind tasting experience. Featured in the lineup were first-growth Bordeaux, a prominent Super-Tuscan, and various Chilean reds from the ambitious and charming winemaker who organized the event: Eduardo Chadwick.
The outcome was unexpected, a shock even to Chadwick; two of his signature reds, Viñedo Chadwick 2000 and Seña 2001, ranked as the top two, surpassing the esteemed Château Lafite 2000 and Château Margaux 2001.
Chadwick’s quest for acknowledgment had borne fruit, and this tasting event became known as the Berlin Tasting, a landmark moment that elevated the reputation of Chilean wines and added a bit of glamour to his own reds. Reflecting on that initial tasting, he fondly recalled it as a “David versus Goliath moment.”
When this charismatic and gracious wine innovator invited me to Chile to partake in a select gathering of journalists and importers for a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the event in January 2024, promising vertical tastings of all his iconic wines, I readily agreed. Who wouldn’t want to take part in such a celebratory occasion?
Chadwick shared that the concept for the original Berlin Tasting drew inspiration from the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting and observing Robert Mondavi conduct similar competitions using his own wines. In 2004, Chile’s wine identity was primarily centered around the notion of “good value.” English wine critic Tim Atkin MW described the nation as “the Volvo of the wine world: reliable yet somewhat uninspiring.” Conducting blind tastings against globally recognized quality standards was seen as the fastest means to garner distinguished wine credentials and achieve international recognition.
Chadwick expanded on this notion more than anyone else. Over the next ten years, he organized daring reenactments of the Berlin Tasting in around 20 significant cities worldwide: São Paolo (2005); Tokyo and Toronto (2006); Beijing, Seoul, Amsterdam, and Copenhagen (2008); London and Stockholm (2009); New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Hong Kong, and Budapest (2010); Helsinki and Zurich (2011); Moscow (2012); Dubai, Santiago, Seoul, and once more São Paulo (2013).
During the event in Beijing, two of Chadwick’s wines triumphed over Château Lafite Rothschild, which did not diminish China’s fascination with Lafite. I was present at the tasting in New York, located on the 36th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel, where 65 participants were engaged with their glasses, gazing at expansive views of the city. The top performer, based on our collective scores, was Chadwick’s 2006 Viña Errázuriz Kai, a Carmenère, followed by 2006 Opus One in second place and 2006 Haut-Brion in third. My personal preferences varied: I ranked 2006 Lafite as my top choice, but my second favorite was Chadwick’s 2006 Viña Errázuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve, an exquisitely structured Cabernet Sauvignon blend. For my third choice, I matched the consensus with Haut-Brion. Even when Chadwick’s wines didn’t secure the first or second position, they still garnered respect for standing alongside the finest in the world—not a bad strategy for marketing.
The goal of the 20th anniversary celebration in Chile took a different direction. The three-day celebration offered a deep dive into Chadwick’s domain, showcasing the evolution of their three main iconic red wines—Errázuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve, Seña, and Viñedo Chadwick—since their inception.
To catch a glimpse of what lies ahead, we had the opportunity to try some of his newly introduced exceptional icon wines from the cooler coastal regions in Aconcagua, including Errázuriz Las Pizarras Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. We also experienced Chadwick’s sparkling wine, which is still developing. Additionally, we spent quality time with the next generation of the family: three of his four delightful daughters—Magui, Ale, Pepa, and Mane—are actively involved in the business.
Each vineyard visit involved an in-depth exploration of the soils, the vines, and the winemaking processes, followed by a formal tasting accompanied by real-time insights from the winemakers: Tomás Muñoz from Viña Errázuriz; Emily Faulconer, the new technical director for Seña and Viñedo Chadwick; and Francisco Baettig, who has been the winemaker for all of them and has recently moved into a consulting role.
During our stay, we were immersed in the colorful and captivating history of the Errázuriz-Chadwick family, conveyed through engaging conversations, informative presentations, and the old sepia-toned photographs displayed in Viña Errázuriz and the memorabilia areas of Viñedo Chadwick.
To reflect on the beginnings, it all started when a trip to Europe sparked wealthy landowner Don Maximiano Errázuriz to create a winery bearing his name in 1870, nestled in the secluded beauty of the Aconcagua Valley. He embarked on this venture on horseback, creating irrigation channels, planting vines, and constructing a winery. His descendant, Alfonso, the father of Eduardo, expanded the family’s wine legacy by acquiring a 300ha (750-acre) estate in the Alto Maipo Valley, not far from Santiago. A prominent polo player and captain of Chile’s national team, he even established his own polo field there.
However, politics soon disrupted the situation. A government land-reform initiative between 1962 and 1973 compelled Alfonso to sell off the majority of their estate and vineyards. Despite this setback, the family managed to retain the Viña Errázuriz winery and some vineyards in Aconcagua until the government ultimately seized them, leading to a situation where the bank took control.
In 1983, Alfonso was able to regain possession of the now-neglected and spiderweb-covered winery. He enlisted the help of 24-year-old Eduardo to help restore the family’s wine legacy. After studying viticulture in Bordeaux, Eduardo aspired to replicate the success of the world’s most renowned wine estates. A decade later, he became president of Viña Errázuriz and in 1994, he planted the first Syrah vines in Chile.
The emergence of Chile’s first luxury wines occurred in the 1980s, with Chadwick introducing Errázuriz’s ultra-premium Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve while Concha y Toro launched Viña Don Melchor and Santa Rita presented Casa Real. The 1990s saw the arrival of Almaviva, Clos Apalta, Montes Alpha M, along with another creation from Chadwick.
The early 1990s brought the visit of the iconic Robert Mondavi, marking a pivotal moment. This led to a collaboration between Mondavi and Chadwick, resulting in a prestigious wine named Seña (which translates to sign or signature). It took four years to identify the perfect location in Aconcagua, situated 25 miles (40 km) from the Pacific; the inaugural vintage was released in 1997. Following Mondavi’s loss of control over his company to Constellation Brands in 2004, Chadwick swiftly acquired Mondavi’s share.
In the early 1990s, Eduardo successfully persuaded his father to transform their polo field into vineyards, which eventually became the foundation of Viñedo Chadwick, a celebrated wine crafted in his honor that made its debut in 2002. The next challenge was to make the world pay attention, and Chadwick embraced this task wholeheartedly.
Throughout the tasting days, what struck me most was the unique personality of each wine, reinforcing my belief that terroir is crucial in Chile, just as it is in other regions. For instance, Seña, sourced from a cooler location in Aconcagua compared to Don Max, presents a more delicate and refined texture.
Another significant observation was the rapid evolution of Chilean winemaking over the last twenty years. The vertical tastings revealed a familiar progression seen in numerous New World countries: starting with a rustic phase of learning, transitioning to an era characterized by overly ripe fruit and extensive oak aging, followed by innovative grape blends for added complexity and precision in winemaking. Ultimately, this has led to wines that utilize less oak and seek greater balance, freshness, finesse, and a true reflection of their origin.
Lastly, it’s impressive how innovative and resolute Eduardo Chadwick has been in the pursuit of producing world-class wines in Chile, striving to earn international recognition for them.
The serious vertical tastings commenced on the second day, featuring a morning visit to Viña Errázuriz. The highlight of the lineup was its renowned flagship red, Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve, chosen to represent the winery’s history and the estate’s diverse grape varieties. The estate beautifully merges tradition and modernity, showcasing a classic whitewashed winery with a tile roof alongside a striking, circular, energy-efficient facility dedicated to its premium wines. The cuvée grapes originate from the oldest vineyard blocks within the Aconcagua Valley estate: Max I, Max II, and Max V.
The weather was sunny and warm, but the underground cellar, adorned with brick walls, provided a cool retreat for our tasting. According to Chadwick, the wines reflect a narrative of technological advancements and evolving perceptions of exceptional Chilean red wine. In the early days, he mirrored Bordeaux’s winemaking techniques. He acknowledges that in the 2000s, they veered too much toward a lavish style. Currently, they focus on earlier harvests. The significant challenge during warmer years is finding the balance while managing the development of tannins.
1984
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged 5–7 months in Rauli redwood vats)
This inaugural vintage, as Chadwick describes, captures a style from a time before modern technology, small fermenting tanks, blending concepts, and the impacts of climate change. With an alcohol level of 12.5%, this wine, while admirable for its age, is more about the emotional journey it provides. It is long and direct, revealing intense licorice notes and a vibrant acidity. | 90
1990
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged 10 months in French oak, 40% new)
This wine showcases a wonderful balance of savor and spice, demonstrating impressive power and longevity. It strikes a harmonious middle ground, avoiding extremes of both lean and opulent, and doesn’t firmly align with either Bordeaux or Napa styles. While it retains a hint of iron in its flavors and a pleasant lift, it seems to have passed its prime, in my opinion. | 88
1995
(95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc; aged 16 months in new French oak)
This vintage exemplifies its time: bold and tannic, bursting with rich, dark fruit, a sense of warmth, and noticeable oak influence. “Now I could buy barrels,” notes Chadwick. | 87
2000
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged 18 months in new French oak)
The growing season began with a cool spring and transitioned into a warm, sunny summer, followed by cooler temperatures that postponed the harvest. This gradual ripening period facilitated the emergence of complex flavors. As a result, the wine exhibits a rich warmth and has aged quite favorably. Its color remains nearly opaque, with prominent tannins, while also showcasing greater complexity, length, and elegance. | 89
2005
(85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Syrah; aged 18 months in new French oak)
This vintage is my favorite from the selection. It marks the first occasion where a blend of different grape varieties is produced. It features dark and intense aromas of black fruit, accompanied by taste notes of minerals, pepper, and spice, all wrapped in a robust, tannic framework that seems to be exploring a new stylistic approach. | 90+
2011
(75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carmenère, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec; aged 22 months in French oak, 85% new)
Beginning with the 2010 vintage, Baettig started to reduce the oak influence and ripeness, resulting in a significant change in style. The 2011 vintage was marked by cooler weather and a delayed harvest. The classic aromas of pencil shavings along with vibrant red fruit flavors indicate a move towards a fresher profile. | 91+
2013
(79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 6% Carmenère, 5% Petit Verdot; aged 22 months in French oak, 65% new)
This vintage benefited from an excellent, cool growing season, resulting in wines that are rich in fruit and freshness. With its minerality and deep character, the inclusion of more Malbec enhances the floral notes. However, despite the wine’s strength and balance, I found this particular vintage to feel somewhat disjointed at the moment. | 92
2015
(67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenère, 8% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc; aged 22 months in French oak, 63% new)
The growing season in 2015 was warm and dry, resulting in beautifully ripe grapes. In a shift from his usual practices, Baettig chose to harvest earlier to maintain the wine’s freshness and intensity. The aroma is complex and lush, featuring notes of ripe plummy fruit, crushed nuts, and hints of coffee, with underlying hints of orange peel. The wine’s texture is rich and smooth. | 93
2018
(70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 7% Carmenère, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc; aged 22 months in French oak, 65% new)
Baettig describes the year 2018 as “a perfect vintage,” where all elements came together to showcase the unique terroir of the Don Maximiano vineyards. It emerged as my favorite wine in this tasting, boasting a fragrant bouquet of violets, a medley of juicy cranberry and raspberry flavors, alongside a commendable balance and poise. The texture, while delightful and smooth, isn’t quite as velvety as that of the 2015 vintage. | 94+
2021
(63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec, 8% Carmenère, 7% Petit Verdot; aged 22 months in French oak, 70% new)
The season was moderately cool, allowing for a gradual and even ripening process. What stood out to me was the stunning dark ruby hue that gleamed in the light, accompanied by an expressive nose filled with floral notes, blueberry fruit, spices, and minerals. The flavor profile included hints of licorice, complemented by a remarkably silky texture. | 92
Following a pleasant lunch on the patio, we made our way to the Seña hillside vineyard, located in the heart of the valley, 25 miles from the Pacific Ocean. This vineyard underwent a transformation to biodynamic farming, guided by the renowned Alan York in 2005. A soil pit revealed the rocky nature of the vineyard, but I chose not to venture into it.
The initial vision for Seña was to create a classic Bordeaux-style red blend infused with “Chilean soul,” highlighted by the inclusion of Carmenère. The three tastings we enjoyed, along with the two additional vintages presented at dinner, demonstrated the evolution of the wine after extensive trials and experimentation.
The quality of Merlot was found to be inconsistent, leading to an increased use of Malbec, which enhanced the complexity, balance, and elegance of the cuvée. Additionally, reducing the amount of new oak contributed positively to the outcome. In my opinion, Seña has discovered its optimal style in recent vintages, particularly the 2021, which showcases more aromatic complexity alongside greater precision and purity of fruit. Tim Mondavi was the winemaker for the inaugural four vintages, while most of the subsequent ones were crafted by Errázuriz’s winemaker, Francisco Baettig.
The tasting took place at the Hilltop Mirador, where we enjoyed the experience beneath a clear, azure sky, boasting breathtaking views of gently rolling vineyards. Following the tasting, we dined at tables adorned with small vases filled with flowers.
2021 Rocas de Seña
This marks only the second vintage of Seña’s secondary wine. Crafted from younger vines, this blend features six varieties: Malbec (35%), Syrah (21%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Grenache (10%), Petit Verdot (9%), and Mourvèdre (5%). It is matured in less new oak, presenting a bright, fresh, and juicy character. Expect layers of savory pomegranate and tart cherry flavors. | 93
1995 Seña (with dinner)
(70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carmenère)
We enjoyed the inaugural vintage of Seña alongside wood-grilled lamb that had been cooked for five hours, and the combination was nothing short of exceptional. The wine’s aromas of leather, dried herbs, and flowers, as well as its flavors, harmonized beautifully with the smoky, savory notes of the lamb and the spicy Chilean merquén seasoning on the potatoes. | 90
1996 Seña
(91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Carmenère; aged 15 months in new French oak)
This marked the first commercial release from a cooler-than-average growing season, which led to an early harvest. The wine presented a garnet color with a browning rim and a captivating bouquet of mint and eucalyptus, coupled with rich and soft savory flavors of herbs. It reflects a traditional style of Chilean Cabernet, exhibiting softness, prominent acidity, and a warm fruit core. | 92
1998 Seña (90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Carmenère, 5% Merlot; matured for 18 months in French oak, 92% new)
This vintage was influenced by El Niño, bringing a chilly and rainy winter and spring that resulted in a delayed harvest—the Cabernet was picked in April. It offers a mouth-filling experience, characterized by spiciness and persistence, and features a rich fruit core with a nuanced chaparral essence of dried herbs like sage, alongside subtle tobacco notes. | 91
2002 Seña (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 10% Carmenère; matured for 18 months in French oak, 100% new)
The cool climate of this year also pushed the harvest to the end of April. This wine may not be bold or overpowering, but it boasts a remarkable seamlessness and savory quality, with a smooth texture and enough depth to ensure its longevity. Its unique profile leans more towards a Super-Tuscan style than that of a traditional Bordeaux. | 91
2008 Seña
(57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carmenère, 10% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc; aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak)
This vintage marks a significant shift towards achieving greater balance, under the guidance of winemaker Francisco Baettig. It presents a more nuanced and sophisticated profile compared to earlier years, featuring an aromatic bouquet of violets alongside hints of baking spices. On the palate, it delivers a delicious medley of juicy cherries and berries, concluding with a subtle tobacco essence. The influence of oak is certainly present, a result of a notably cool spring and an extended, dry growing season. | 92
2009 Seña (54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Carmenère, 16% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc; aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak)
This release is characterized by its density, power, and richness, offering concentrated flavors and an elegant silky mouthfeel, accented by warm balsamic undertones. The earlier hot and dry growing conditions led to the Carmenère achieving perfect ripeness, reflecting the preference for a more mature style that was trendy at that time. | 90
2011 Seña (58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carmenère, 15% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc; aged 22 months in French oak, with 75% being new)
This vintage, which benefited from a cool, late ripening season, showcases a wine that is both vibrant and fresh. It presents a savory profile with heightened focus and clarity, featuring aromas of dried herbs and spices, alongside mint and red fruit notes, all framed by an elegant structure. The reduced amount of new oak is a distinct advantage. It stood out as my top choice in the second flight. | 93+
2015 Seña (57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Carmenère, 12% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc; aged 22 months, 88% in French oak barrels, 66% new, 12% in foudres)
This deep, nearly opaque wine from a moderately warm vintage displays a rich and ripe fruit aroma enriched with touches of cedar, herbs, and freshly bloomed flowers. However, it was somewhat eclipsed by the remarkable 2018 and 2021 wines in the same flight. The decision to replace Merlot with Malbec enhances the wine’s character beautifully, bringing forth an array of complex mint and olive flavors. | 94
2016 Seña (with dinner)
(55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 12% Petit Verdot, 8% Carmenère, 5% Cabernet Franc; aged for 22 months, 88% in French oak barrels, 73% of which were new, 12% in foudres)
We enjoyed this with our meal, and I was taken aback by how wonderfully this stylish and elegant red paired with king crab and avocado sauce. The harmony worked due to the wine being both juicy and graceful, exhibiting freshness and vibrancy, along with flavors of sour cherries, a hint of iron, and a touch of spice. This vintage emerged from a particularly cool year characterized by record rainfall in April. | 96
2018 Seña (55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 15% Carmenère, 7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot; aged for 22 months, 85% in new French oak barrels, 15% in foudres)
I was enamored with this refined, rich, and concentrated wine, filled with cedary notes and layers of delicious red-fruit flavors. It showcases density, juiciness, purity, length, and refinement, striking a perfect balance between power and elegance. This particular year was exceptional for Chilean reds, and alongside the 2021 vintage, it stood out as my favorite wine from this tasting. | 97
2020 Seña
(53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 15% Carmenère, 7% Petit Verdot; aged for 22 months, comprising 90% in French oak barrels, 78% of which are new, and 10% in foudres)
This vintage shows similarities to the 2018, with Chadwick highlighting a confident style that signifies the path forward. It’s a wine that expresses itself beautifully right now, showcasing refreshing acidity, intricate flavors, a silky feel, and a lingering finish. While it carries density, richness, and power typical of a warm year, it maintains exceptional balance, with a 13.5% alcohol content. | 96
2021 Seña (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Malbec, 17% Carmenère, 6% Petit Verdot; aged for 22 months, with 90% in French oak barrels, 70% new, and 10% in foudres)
This vintage captivates with its stunning aromas and flavors that seem to insist, “Have another glass.” It demonstrates impressive focus, purity of fruit, structured tannins, elegance, and an uplifting quality. | 97
On the third day of our journey, we found ourselves at the historic Chadwick home in Puente Alto, nestled in the Maipo Valley, a place once filled with the lively presence of Eduardo Chadwick and his family. Now transformed, it serves as a venue dedicated to history and hospitality. We marveled at the polo-field-turned-vineyard and explored the Polo Room, adorned with artifacts and photographs celebrating Alfonso Chadwick’s passion for polo. Following our exploration, we made our way to the Berlin Tasting Room, where we took our seats at a long table bathed in natural light. Enjoying a selection of vintages, we indulged in a delectable three-course lunch on the shaded patio outside. The tasting showcased a remarkable ten-vintage vertical flight, served in two groups of five wines, complemented by an additional three during our meal.
1999
(94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Carmenère; matured for 18 months in new French oak)
This inaugural vintage, distinguished as the sole one to feature Carmenère, emerged from a particularly warm year with markedly reduced yields, harvested a couple of weeks earlier than usual. It remains robust and powerful, brimming with ripe, luscious fruit, solid structure, and notes of licorice and herbs. Although it maintains an air of elegance and finesse, it carries a distinctly classic feel. | 91
2000 (during lunch) (100% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged for 17 months in new French oak)
This wine was crowned the best at the inaugural Berlin Tasting, making it a delightful finish to our meal at Viñedo Chadwick, paired with Chilean cheese and this exceptional vintage. Coming from a cooler year, it showcases complex aromas and deep flavors, alongside a structured profile that continues to evolve. | 93
2001
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged for 18 months in new French oak)
This vintage was characterized by a cool, slow ripening season which necessitated careful leaf-pulling to ensure the grapes achieved full ripeness. The nose revealed notes of mint, cedar, and dried flowers, accompanied by a core of rich, dark concentrated fruit on the palate. It feels refined yet retains its concentration. | 92+
2006
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged for 18 months in new French oak)
In another remarkable year marked by slow ripening, this wine showcases a well-balanced profile along with a bright aroma of cassis, complemented by a profound, vertical structure. The flavors are rich and dense, evoking notes of dark chocolate and tobacco. Its substantial character aligns with the style of the era, featuring fine tannins and a wonderfully silky mouthfeel. | 91+
2008 (during lunch)
(97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot; aged for 22 months in new French oak)
This year experienced dry and hot conditions, resulting in a wine that is ripe, complex, and refreshingly vibrant, despite carrying an old-world essence. It pairs beautifully with duck confit and orange sauce. | 94
2010
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged for 22 months in 95% new French oak)
In a year that was cooler than usual, there is a noticeable shift towards finesse and harmony in this wine. It exudes a lively, minty freshness that intertwines with ripe red fruit and hints of cocoa powder. While the tannins are more refined, allowing for expressive and deep flavors that lead to a prolonged finish, there is a hint of noticeable alcohol strength. | 92
2012
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon; matured for 22 months in 90% new French oak)
This wine is deep, powerful, and carries a warm tone, characterized by its soft texture derived from a warm vintage with low yields. The aroma is quite intricate, blending deep, vibrant raspberry and cherry notes with elements of tobacco and truffles, accompanied by flavors that resonate with this complexity. It leans more towards a skeletal structure than a fleshy one. This was my top choice in the first tasting flight. | 93
2014
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged 22 months in 75% new French oak)
This remarkable vintage marked a significant milestone for this wine, as it received Chile’s inaugural 100-point score. There is a noticeable shift in style towards enhanced freshness, precision, purity, and balance. The growing conditions were cool, resulting in uniform ripening and an early harvest. Due to exceptionally low yields, only 400 cases were produced. The wine showcases vibrant color and aromatic profiles, complemented by a touch of mint. This alluring, linear, and structured red features ultra-fine tannins, dark fruit flavors, and an abundance of complexity. 13.5% ABV. | 95
2015
(100% Cabernet Sauvignon; aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, with 75% being new and a portion in foudres)
The 2015 vintage was warm, but not excessively hot, proving to be excellent for Chile. While this wine is not as dark and concentrated as the 2014 vintage, it exhibits a riper and more powerful profile, with hints of mint and cedar on the nose. The palate presents notes of fruit, herbs, tobacco, and chocolate, culminating in a quality reminiscent of candied flavors. | 94+
2016 (served at lunch) (97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot; aged for 22 months, with 80% in new French oak barrels and 20% in foudres)
This classical Maipo Cabernet stands out with its elegance and complexity, showcasing harmonious tannins and an excellent structure, all while maintaining a surprisingly low alcohol content of 13%. It is undoubtedly a winner. | 96
2017
(Consisting of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot; aged for 22 months with 80% in new French oak barrels and 20% in foudres)
The 2017 vintage marked the earliest harvest ever documented at Viñedo Chadwick, driven by an extremely hot growing season. According to Francisco Baettig, it was a challenging year, demonstrating their ability to adapt to rising temperatures, a skill increasingly vital due to climate change. By picking the grapes a month earlier than 2016, they successfully mitigated the effects of the heat. The resulting wine is intense and rich, featuring bright, subtle, savory bay-leaf aromas and profound flavors. | 94+
2018
(Composed of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot; aged for 22 months, with 80% in new French oak barrels and 20% in foudres)
Among my top two selections from the flight, the 2021 vintage is a remarkable example that further solidifies the wine’s character. It offers an uplifting combination of juicy cherries and chocolate fragrances, showcasing perfect harmony along with a prolonged finish that highlights a stunning array of flavors. This wine embodies both strength and grace, as well as finesse—a favorite of Francisco Baettig. | 98
2021
(97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot; aged for 22 months, with 80% in new French oak barrels and 20% in foudres)
The cooler growing season allowed for a slow, steady, and gentle ripening process, resulting in a wine of significant elegance. Key features include lively energy, floral notes, and very pure, precise fruit leading to a long, mineral finish. American writer Karen MacNeil described the wine as “a horse to bet on.” Similar to 2018, it boasts exceptional balance, a luxurious mouthfeel, and dark-toned tannins. | 98