Tikal Patriota (75cl, 13.8%)

An organic Argentine red blend of 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec from Mendoza's Uco Valley, bottled at 13.5–13.8% ABV in a 750ml format. Tikal is the project of Ernesto Catena, and the grapes come from the La Consulta vineyard. All fruit is hand-harvested and farmed following biodynamic and organic practices. After fermentation the wine ages for 12 months in a mix of 70% French and 30% American oak barrels, 30% new. The nose opens with bright cherry, crushed raspberry, dried herbs and subtle wildflowers. The palate is fruit-forward with raspberry and blackberry, a cocoa-tinged mid-palate and plush body. The finish is medium-long with baking spice, dried herbs and soft ripe tannins.