Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mapu Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Winery Background and History

Baron Philippe de Rothschild, famed for Bordeaux estates such as Château Mouton Rothschild, established Chilean operations in the 1990s to create high-quality wines expressing local terroir. “Mapu” (from the Mapuche word for “earth”) is the range aiming to combine fruit-driven character with approachability. The winery sources from vineyards in Chile’s Central Valley, including Maule, and employs sustainable vineyard practices, rigorous selection, and Rothschild’s quality oversight. Mapu has become a well-known value brand globally, balancing consistent style with local identity.

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile. The winemaking team includes local Chilean vineyard experts, combined with technical standards and practices from Rothschild’s global network. For this Cabernet Sauvignon, the producer ensures selection of ripe grapes, temperature controlled fermentation, some oak maturation, and blending (where applicable) to round out tannins and build structure while maintaining freshness.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are from vineyards in Chile’s Central Valley / Maule Valley (sometimes also Maipo in certain listings). The area has a Mediterranean climate: warm, sunny days with cooler nights, which helps preserve acid and aromas in Cabernet. Soils are well-drained, often alluvial with gravel components, and vine age is moderate. The diurnal shifts (cool nights) contribute to fruit retention and color.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. After harvest, grapes are destemmed, selected, then fermented under temperature control (stainless steel) to manage extraction of colour and tannin. About half of the vintage (or a portion) is matured in oak barrels for 6-8 months before bottling; the rest remains in stainless steel or neutral vessels to preserve fruit freshness.

Tasting Notes

Colour is a vivid garnet-ruby. On the nose, expect aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, with hints of plum and dark fruit compote, plus spice (black pepper), and subtle oak (vanilla, toast). On the palate it is medium-to-full-bodied, with ripe fruit flavours, smooth yet present tannins, balanced acidity, and a generous midpalate. The finish lingers with dark berry and oak spice notes, clean and fruit-driven.

Food & Wine Pairing

Excellent with grilled or roasted red meats (beef steak, lamb), hearty stews, or roasted vegetables. Also pairs well with dishes featuring mushrooms, pepper, or rich sauces. Aged cheeses such as Manchego, mature cheddar or Gouda also match its body and oak.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 15-18 °C (59-64°F). Use a large wine glass (Bordeaux style) to allow aromas to bloom. Decanting 20-30 minutes helps soften tannins and open up the aromatics, especially if the wine is relatively young. Once opened, drink over 1-2 days.

Storage and Aging Potential

Drinkable upon release, but will improve with short-term aging. Under good cellar conditions (cool ~12-14 °C, stable humidity, away from light), it can age well for 3-5 years. Over time, secondary and tertiary notes (leather, earth, cedar) may develop, though the core fruit will likely dominate in the first few years.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Cabernet Sauvignon 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5 % 

Scores

• James Suckling: 91 / 100 

  (no other major critic scores found publicly for this vintage at the moment)