When the first lady of Argentine wine chooses to make a barrel aged, terroir driven expression of Malbec, it can only mean a spectacular tasting experience is in store. That is exactly what the Susana Balbo, Ben Marco Expressivo is, envisioned by Susana Balbo and realised by her head viticulturist Edy Del Popolo. Susana created the Ben Marco label to recognise the best terroirs in Mendoza and Argentina through a low intervention winemaking process in order to reveal their true essence and character. This fascinating blend of Malbec and Cabernet Franc brings together old Bordeaux friends on Mendoza'a dizzying heights of Gualtallary. The vineyards sit at probably the highest point in Argentina (4,265 feet) and endure cold, austere weather to toughen up and bear concentrated fruit, befitting a rich barrel aged Bordeaux blend. And that is exactly what Susana and Edy have crafted with this full bodied Malbec blend, aged 14 months in 70 per cent new oak and beaming with blackberries, pepper and hits on minerality on the back of firm tannins.