Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mapu Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Winery Background and History

Baron Philippe de Rothschild is a historic Bordeaux house founded in 1853, with renowned estates such as Château Mouton Rothschild. The Mapu range represents its venture into Chile, launched around 1999, to express the unique terroirs of Chile. “Mapu” comes from a Mapuche word meaning “earth” or “soil,” reflecting the focus on terroir. The wines are produced in Chile using local vineyards, while applying Rothschild’s winemaking philosophy: high quality, careful vineyard selection, monitoring, and respecting variety and origin.

Producer and Wine Maker

The producer is Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile. The winemaking team employs both local Chilean expertise and oversight from the Rothschild network. They supervise vineyard parcel management, harvest timing, fermentation, and blending to ensure consistency and character. The producer maintains strict quality control including lab work, barrel assessments, and sensory trials to match Rothschild’s standards.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The grapes for this wine are sourced primarily from vineyards in Chile’s Central Valley, especially the Maipo Valley or Maule Valley (depending on the specific bottling). The climate is Mediterranean with warm to hot days and cooler nights, which helps preserve acidity. Soils are typically well-drained, sometimes with alluvial influence, with vineyards benefitting from altitude and cooling from nearby Andes influence. Some parcels have older vines, allowing more concentrated fruit.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Harvested when optimal ripeness is reached, the grapes undergo destemming, crushing and fermentation in stainless steel tanks under temperature control. After primary fermentation, a portion of the wine is aged in oak barrels (new or used) for several months (often around 6-8 months in oak for Reserva bottlings). The rest is aged in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal expression. Blending of oak-raised and stainless portions allows balance of fruit, structure, and oak influence.

Tasting notes

Rich deep ruby red colour. Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark red fruits such as cherry, with hints of graphite, fresh herbs (thyme, possibly eucalyptus), subtle oak spice (vanilla, cinnamon), and mild tobacco or blond tobacco leaf. Palate is medium-to-full bodied, with firm yet polished tannins, balanced acidity, and juicy ripe fruit. The finish is lively, fresh, with lingering fruit and spice, not overly heavy but with enough structure.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with red meat: grilled steak, roast lamb, venison, or beef dishes. Also good with hearty stews, char-grilled vegetables, and dark sauces. Cheese pairings: aged cheeses such as cheddar, Manchego, gouda, or a blue cheese. Also complements dishes with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and peppery or slightly spicy elements. Should pair nicely with barbecued meats, or slow roasted meats with garlic.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16-18 °C. Use a large red wine glass to allow aroma development. Decanting for 20-30 minutes before drinking can help the wine open up, soften tannins and reveal more complexity. Ensure wine is not served too warm (which can exaggerate alcohol or harshness) or too cold (which can mute fruit). Once opened, best consumed over 1-2 days.

Storage and Aging Potential

Drinkable upon release, but will benefit from short-term aging. Under good conditions (cool, stable temperature ~12-14 °C, moderate humidity, away from light), this wine has the potential to develop further over 3-5 years. After that, primary fruit may fade and tertiary notes may emerge, like leather, dried herbs, cedar. It’s not designed for very long aging beyond about 7-8 years unless from exceptional parcels.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

13.5 %

Scores

• James Suckling: 91 /100 for 2023 vintage