50&50 Toscana IGT 2018 Avignonesi & Capannelle

The Avignonesi & Capannelle 2018 50 & 50 represents a collaborative effort between two of Tuscany's headline wineries, one located in Chianti Classico and the other in Montepulciano. The results show austerity, dark fruit and Old World elegance. Dark cherry and dried blackberry cede to spice and toasted oak, and mineral hints of campfire ember and pencil shaving add definition and focus.

The crushed-stone and currant aromas are very attractive. Hints of cedar, too. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, polished tannins that run the length of the wine. Tight and polished. This needs three to four years to open. Try after 2025.

The 2019 50 & 50, an equal-part blend of Merlot and Sangiovese, is darkly alluring with dusty rose, crushed black cherries, lavender and crushed stone. It's silky-smooth with a mineral tinge up front that gives way to masses of tart wild berry fruits and savory spice. This finishes long and saturating, with a coating of grippy tannins and a wild blueberry concentration.