Not too far outside of the CBD of Mendoza is an area called Luján de Cuyo. Within Luján de Cuyo lies Vistalba, one of the best places to grow old vine malbec in the entire world. Much of it is nearly dry-grown with the only irrigation coming in fortnightly releases of water from the nearby Mendoza River. It gets so hot and dry there that every drop matters. These old vines and extreme growing conditions provide grapes of unparalleled concentration. In the right hands, like those of Argentine Winemaker of the Year Hervé Fabre, the resulting wines are spellbinding. This one is 100% malbec and completely hand-harvested. 60% of the juice sees 12 months in French oak. This allows for some nice tannic structure without overpowering the bright fruit so indicative of Mendoza malbec. In the glass, you’ll find cherries, spices, vanilla, chocolate and sweet silky tannins. What a treat!