Est. 2001. Importer & Distributor of Fine Wine, Craft Spirits, and Ginjo Sake

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Tikal
www.tikalwines.com

Ernesto Catena
Country of Origin: Argentina
Location: Agrelo
People: Ernesto Catena, Owner | Luis Reginato, Winemaker
Supplier: http://www.vineconnections.com


Tikal is owned by Ernesto Catena and is named after his son. Ernesto spent his childhood in the vineyards of Mendoza among winegrowers and local pundits. Since then, he has experienced a kaleidoscope of cultures, living in New York, Buenos Aires, Berkeley, Cambridge (MA), Milan and London. But his heart remains in his homeland of Argentina (where he now lives), with its natural beauty of mountains, streams and vineyards, its wines, and its people who hold a special passion for living. There are few wine brands that reflect the sensibilities of their owner more than Tikal. A skilled horseman, fashion designer, software developer, and book editor, Ernesto pursues all that gives pleasure in life. This hedonism (in the best sense of the word) shows through in the wines. It is a style meant to provide enormous pleasure rather than provoke contemplation; an expression of emotion rather than intellect He has named his wines with passion in mind: Patriota (Patriot), Amorio (Love Affair), Jubilo (Rejoice).

Luis Reginato is the winemaker at Tikal as of the 2002 vintage. Luis is young, but is already a highly trained and respected vineyard consultant and winemaker with long experience at his family's winery in Mendoza. Truly an up and coming talent, Luis and his wines are already garnering high praise from U.S. wine critics. Definitely a winemaker to watch.

Quick Facts:
Big, rich yet balanced wines for 'serious fun.'
They capture Mendoza's spirit of pride, love and celebration.

Named Best Value Wines by Jay Miller for 2011

Social Media
Twitter: @LuisReginato1
Items
Tikal 2011 'Amorio' Malbec, Mendoza Net Price Reviews —
Tikal 2010 'Jubilo' (Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon), Mendoza Net Price Reviews —
Tikal 2011 'Natural' (Malbec/Syrah), Mendoza Net Price Reviews —
Tikal 2012 'Patriota' (Malbec/Bonarda), Mendoza Net Price Reviews —
Reviews
Tikal 2010 'Jubilo' (Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon), Mendoza
Rating: 92(+?)

Saturated bright ruby. Black cherry and licorice on the nose, plus a hint of tea leaf. Sweet and creamy in the mouth but with harmonious acidity giving shape and definition to the concentrated black cherry, dark berry and chocolate flavors.  Finishes with a firm spine of fine chocolatey tannins and fresh acidity. I'd give this a few years in bottle to express itself more fully.

- International Wine Cellar (4/1/2013)

Tikal 2010 'Jubilo' (Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon), Mendoza
Rating: 92(+?)

Saturated bright ruby. Black cherry and licorice on the nose, plus a hint of tea leaf. Sweet and creamy in the mouth but with harmonious acidity giving shape and definition to the concentrated black cherry, dark berry and chocolate flavors. Finishes with a firm spine of fine chocolatey tannins and fresh acidity. I'd give this a few years in bottle to express itself more fully.

- International Wine Cellar (4/1/2013)

Tikal 2011 'Amorio' Malbec, Mendoza
Rating: 90

Fig, dark plum and dried cherry flavors are well-integrated and balanced in this rich, focused style, firmly tannic, with plenty of power behind the notes of graphite and hot stone. Finishes with hints of sandalwood and nutmeg. Drink now through 2018.

- The Wine Spectator (2/1/2014)

Tikal 2011 'Amorio' Malbec, Mendoza
Rating: 91

Good bright, deep ruby. High-toned aromas of black cherry, bitter chocolate, licorice pastille, sweet oak and leather. Very sweet and lush, with black cherry and dark berry flavors complemented but not overwhelmed by sexy oak. Finishes broad, thick and long, with lots of chewy, sweet, tongue-dusting tannins.

- International Wine Cellar (4/1/2013)

Tikal 2011 'Natural' (Malbec/Syrah), Mendoza
Rating: 90

Bright, full, deep ruby. Aromas of blackberry, licorice, violet, minerals and toasted marshmallow show an exotic liqueur-like quality. A penetrating, youthfully tight bomb of dark fruits, with black cherry, blackberry, cassis and boysenberry flavors framed by strong acidity. This very firmly structured wine is almost astringent today and should be cellared for at least a couple years. Serious wine for the price.

- International Wine Cellar (3/1/2013)

Tikal 2012 'Patriota' (Malbec/Bonarda), Mendoza
Rating: 89

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.

- International Wine Cellar (3/1/2014)

Tikal 2012 'Patriota' (Malbec/Bonarda), Mendoza
Rating: 91

A rich red, packed with concentrated flavors of blackberry, dark plum and mocha, featuring plenty of dark chocolate notes. OFfers a ripe texture, with creamy accents and hints of savory herb on the long finish. Drink now through 2020.

- The Wine Spectator (2/1/2014)