Escudo Rojo Reserva Syrah 2020

Winery Background and History

Escudo Rojo is a premium wine brand established by Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile, founded in 1999. The project combines Rothschild’s Bordeaux heritage and winemaking principles with Chile’s terroir strength. Located in Maipo Valley and Central Valley, the brand has built a reputation for producing varietal wines (such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Chardonnay) that balance fruit intensity, oak influence, and accessibility. The winery is committed to sustainable viticulture, rigorous parcel selection, and modern cellar techniques to produce wines with both immediate appeal and aging potential.

Producer and Wine Maker

The producer is Baron Philippe de Rothschild Chile, under the Escudo Rojo label. The winemaking team includes local Chilean viticultural experts and oversight from Rothschild’s technical direction. For the Syrah Reserva, the team oversees careful selection of vineyard parcels in Maipo Valley, hand-picking grapes, controlling fermentation in steel and aging in oak barrels. Quality control, maturation, and blending practices are all managed under Rothschild quality protocols to ensure varietal expression and structural balance.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Grapes are sourced from selected parcels in Valle del Maipo, approximately 30 km south of Santiago at the foot of the Andes. Soils are poor in alluvial deposits, rich in pebbles, which improve drainage and stress vines to produce concentrated fruit. The climate is Mediterranean, with warm to hot daytime temperatures and cooler nights (diurnal temperature differential), which help preserve acidity and aromatics in Syrah. The combination of altitude, Andes’ influence, and vineyard selection contributes to the wine’s minerality, freshness, and depth. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes are hand-picked and then fermented using traditional methods with temperature control. After primary fermentation, the wine is aged in oak for six-to-eight months. The barrel mix includes about 10% new oak and 90% 1-2 year old oak barrels. The oak imparts structure and subtle complexity without overwhelming the fruit. Prior to bottling, the wine is blended and matured to integrate tannins and oak influence. 

Tasting Notes

Colour is deep purple. On the nose, expect aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, subtle oak spice (vanilla, toast), and a hint of black pepper. On the palate it opens full-bodied with ripe dark fruit flavours, robust tannins, a peppery and spicy edge, and a fleshy mid-palate. The finish is long and shows a return of fruit, pepper, and toasted oak notes. There is both power and elegance. 

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted red meats like lamb, beef steaks, or game. Also works nicely with spicy sausages or dishes that include pepper or smoked components. Rich stews, barbecued meats, roasted mushrooms, and strong cheeses (like aged cheddar or grilled Gouda) will match the wine’s structure and oak influence.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve at around 16-18 °C (60-65 °F). Use a large red wine glass (Bordeaux/Syrah style) to allow aromas to open. Decanting for about 30 minutes will help soften tannins and reveal complexity. Once opened, consume over 1-2 days for best expression. Avoid serving too warm to prevent alcohol dominance or too cold to suppress aromas.

Storage and Aging Potential

Designed for both immediate drinking and short-term aging. Under good storage conditions (cool cellar ~12-14 °C, stable humidity, away from light), this wine can age gracefully for 4-6 years. Over time tertiary notes such as earth, leather, or dried herbs may emerge, although the core fruit and oak balance is likely to be best in the first few years.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

100 % Syrah 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14 % 

Scores

• James Suckling: 93 / 100