The 2009 Jubilo is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 16 months in French and American oak. Aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, exotic spices, violets, black currant, and blackberry inform the nose of a savory, structured, layered, incipiently complex offering that will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring. Drink this nicely proportioned, lengthy effort from 2013 to 2024. The Tikal wines are produced by Ernesto Catena.Importer: Vine Connections, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 332-6466

The 2008 Jubilo is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Malbec aged for 12 months in 70% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it gives up an alluring nose of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, incense, black currant, and black cherry. This is followed by an already complex, velvety-textured, plush wine with layered fruit, excellent volume, impeccable balance, and a lengthy finish. Drink it from 2013 to 2023. Tikal is the personal project of Ernesto Catena, son of Nicolas Catena, and brother of Laura Catena. The 2009 Natural and 2009 Patriota are reviewed in the Argentina Value report in the previous on-line Issue.Importer: Vine Connections, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 332-8466; fax (415) 332-8668

The 2007 Jubilo is a 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec aged for 12 months in 70% new French oak. A saturated purple color, the nose displays aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, espresso, black currant, and blackberry. Packed and stacked, this densely fruited effort is layered, spicy, and succulent. Give it 2-3 years of additional bottle age and drink it from 2011 to 2022. The Tikal wines are produced by Ernesto Catena, son of Argentina wine pioneer Nicolas Catena.Importer: Vine Connections, Sausalito, CA; tel. (415) 332-8466