Escudo Rojo Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Winery Background and History

Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile is part of the international portfolio of wines from the Rothschild family, applying Bordeaux wine-making heritage to Chilean terroirs. The “Gran Reserva” range sits above Reserva in terms of quality level and oak aging, aiming for greater structure, complexity, and ageing potential. Escudo Rojo has focused on varietal expression, vineyard parcel selection, and mature vines in Maipo Valley among other zones, building a reputation for wines that balance fruit, oak, and elegance.

Producer and Wine Maker

Produced by Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile under the Escudo Rojo label. The wine-making team combines local vine growing expertise with oversight consistent with the Rothschild standards. They manage vineyard sourcing, harvest timing, fermentation, oak barrel aging, blending, and aging to ensure Gran Reserva wines show more oak integration, deeper fruit character, and more structural tannin.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Maipo Valley, part of Chile’s Central Valley wine region. Soils in Maipo are often alluvial with pebbles, good drainage, with some gravel and clay components. The climate is Mediterranean: hot to warm days, cooling nights thanks to altitude and proximity to the Andes, allowing grapes to ripen fully while preserving acidity and aromatic freshness.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Fermentation is temperature controlled, extraction of colour and tannin managed carefully. Aging is done in oak barrels for a period (often several months) to bring structure and oak character. The Gran Reserva designation implies longer oak maturation than Reserva wines. Precise proportion of new vs used oak not universally cited, but oak elements are more assertive than lesser tiers.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby colour. Aromas of dark berry fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), with notes of red currant, cedar, and a slight herbaceous or green‐pepper hint depending on parcel. Oak spices such as vanilla, toast, and perhaps a touch of mocha or cedar emerge. On the palate, medium-to-full body, with structured but ripe tannins, good acidity, fruit-forward core, oak integration, and a finish that lingers with oak and dark fruit, with hints of minerality.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs well with grilled or roasted red meats (lamb, beef), hearty stews, dishes with mushrooms, or pepper-based sauces. Strong, aged cheeses such as Manchego, aged cheddar or similar will match its structure. Also good with charcuterie, roasted vegetables, or any rich dishes that can stand oak and tannin.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at 16-18 °C. Use a large Bordeaux-style red wine glass to allow aromas to open and show oak and fruit. Decanting for 30 minutes recommended to allow the wine to breathe and to soften tannins. After opening, consume over 2-3 days. Avoid serving too warm which emphasizes alcohol or too cold which mutes aromas.

Storage and Aging Potential

This wine has aging potential: under good cellar conditions (stable ~12-14 °C, moderate humidity, minimal light, stable environment) it could improve over 5-8 years. Fruit, oak and tannin will continue integrating; tertiary notes (leather, cedar, earthy) will develop. But best fruit expression likely in first 3-5 years.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Cabernet Sauvignon (sources show it is a straight Cabernet Sauvignon for the Gran Reserva red version) 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14 % 

Scores

• James Suckling: 92 / 100