2003 Sena, Aconcagua Valley

In contrast to the 2002, the 2003 Sena is more primary and more complete. It is purple-colored with an expressive array of pain grille, clove, espresso, earth, black currants, and blackberry. This is followed by a wine which admirably combines power and elegance. There are layers of sweet fruit, and the oak, tannin, and acidity are nicely integrated. Cellar this superior effort for another 4-6 years and drink it through 2030. Sena was originally a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Eduardo Chadwick. The first vintage was in 1995 and in 1999 the Sena Hillside Vineyard was purchased. Currently, all the grapes going into Sena come from this biodynamically farmed vineyard. It is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenere, and Cabernet Franc. In a typical vintage Sena is about three-fourths Cabernet Sauvignon although in 2003, Cabernet Sauvignon composed 52% of the blend and Merlot 40%. The wine is aged for 18 months in predominantly new French oak. Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons, 307 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022, tel. 212-355-0700, www.frederickwildman.com

Black fruits and herbal but not green notes. Masses of black fruit and just the right amount of spicy oak though this is quite forward at the moment. Richness of flavours not yet furled. Fresh and youthful. Well-crafted dry tannins. (JH)