2012 Tikal Patriota
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2012 Patriota is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Bonarda from Vista Flores in Uco Valley and La Vendimia in Lujan de Cuyo that seems to be more marked by the toasty oak, with ripe notes of banana, black cherries, chocolate and espresso coffee presenting a showy and ripe, commercial profile. The palate is medium-bodied with high acidity and grippy tannins that call for food. Drink now-2017. Tikal is a project from Ernesto Catena where the vineyards are organically and biodynamically farmed. In the winery they try everything new: egg-shaped cement vats, and any other innovations they might get their hands on. The wines are all Malbec blends. Importer: Vine Connections, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 332-8466; www.vineconnections.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
(a 60/40 blend of malbec and bonarda): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of blackberry, licorice, menthol, coffee, bitter chocolate and spicecake. Sweet and fine-grained, with dark berry and spicecake flavors carrying a full load of chocolatey oak. No shortage of acidity here. Finishes with sweet, chewy tannins, a repeating note of exotic oak spices and a bit of alcoholic warmth.