The best wine in the world?  Or the best wine to come from Argentina? Well in my opinion – quite possibly. This is a classic Bordeaux blend from the Finca Libertad vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina. There’s an amazing history here. The vineyards were originally planted by Tiburcio Benegas in about 1890 when he brought French vine stock over from Bordeaux. He was Governor of Mendoza at the time and also borrowed 5 million Francs and set up the Bank of  Mendoza.  The vineyards susequently flourished and went on to become El Trapiche which dominated the quality end of Argentinian wine production for most of the 20th century. It was still kept in the Benegas family for most of this period until it became so big it was inevitably split up and sold off. Federico J Benegas, a wonderful man and a friend of mine, simply took his Bank of Mendoza cheque book and bought back the original vineyard with quite possibly the best vines in Argentina, and set about striving for viticultural perfection. Michel Rolland of Bordeaux helps with the blending on all the Benegas reds – and as a result they’re all superb wines.

What’s it like?

It’s a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, which has been likened to a First Growth Claret from an exceptional year. Steven Spurrier loves this wine and Robert Parker has asked the Benegas Lynches if he can go and see them!

How much? Where do I buy it?

Well it’s severely limited and if you want the 2004 vintage you can only get it from www.goodwineonline.co.uk for £32.49 (way cheaper than anything French!) or possibly you can buy a bottle of Benegas Lynch Meritage 2004 with your steak at the Gaucho Grill for £85.