Escudo Rojo Baronesa P. 2022

Winery Background and History

Escudo Rojo is the high-end wine project of Baron Philippe de Rothschild in Chile, established in 1999. It marries Bordeaux winemaking heritage with Chile’s terroirs. The Baronesa P. cuvée was created in honour of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, designed to be the flagship wine sourced from the best parcels and micro-terroirs of Escudo Rojo’s vineyards. Growth in reputation has been marked by careful vineyard selection, mature vines, and precision of blending. The wine embodies Escudo Rojo’s commitment to combining power and elegance, expressing both fruit richness and ageing structure. 

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile under the Escudo Rojo label. The winemaking team combines local vineyard expertise with technical direction aligned with Rothschild standards. Grapes are sourced from micro-parcels in Maipo Valley (and other contributing soils), handharvested, sorted, and vinified to maximize varietal character. Blending is done carefully; aging in oak barrels is part of the regimen to bring structure and complexity while maintaining freshness and terroir expression. Lead oenologist oversees oak selection, fermentation protocols, and barrel maturity. 

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Vineyards for Baronesa P. are located primarily in Maipo Valley, with soils that are alluvial and gravelly in parts where Cabernet Sauvignon thrives; other components of the blend derive from parcels with clay and sun exposure suited for varietals like Carmenère, Petit Verdot. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot daytime sun moderated by cooling breezes from the Andes, and with significant diurnal temperature variation helping to preserve acidity. These micro-climates contribute to aromatic freshness and structural balance in the wine. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

After harvest, grapes are handpicked and sorted. Fermentation is temperature-controlled, followed by ageing in barrel. For the 2022 vintage of Baronesa P., aging lasts about 15 months, with just over half of the oak used being new. Oak type is French. The rest of the blend is matured in slightly older barrels to achieve depth without overly dominating wood flavor. Blending occurs after barrel ageing to integrate tannins, fruit, and oak. 

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in colour. Aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, and morello cherry dominate, with floral notes such as lavender and rosemary, plus graphite, cedar and hints of tobacco and dark spice. On the palate, the wine is concentrated and polished, with fine-grained tannins, generous fruit body, layers of dark berry, and subtle oak spice. The finish is long and elegant, balancing power with freshness. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with hearty grilled meats (beef ribeye, lamb chops), game (venison, duck), rich sauces such as peppercorn or mushroom sauce. Also complements aged hard cheeses (like aged cheddar, Manchego), roasted or smoked meats, dishes with herbs (rosemary, thyme), or components like olives or charcuterie. Best with flavours that can stand up to oak and structured tannins.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16-18 °C (61-64°F). Use a large Bordeaux-style red wine glass to allow aromas to open. Decanting is recommended for 30-45 minutes to soften tannins and help aromatics develop. Once opened, should be consumed over 2-3 days, stored in cellar-like conditions prior to opening, avoiding large temperature swings.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine can age gracefully. Expect good drinking over 5-10 years given proper storage (cool, stable ~12-14 °C, moderate humidity, dark, low vibration). Over time, tertiary notes such as leather, dried herbs, earth, tobacco, and cedar will emerge; fruit will mature and integrate further with oak.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

• Cabernet Sauvignon ~ 83 % 

• Carmenère ~ 6 % 

• Cabernet Franc ~ 5 % 

• Petit Verdot ~ 5 % 

• Syrah ~ 1 % 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Between 14 % and 14.5 % 

Scores

• James Suckling: 97 / 100 (2022)