2008 Fifty Fifty

From the famed partnership of two of Tuscany’s landmark wineries that was initiated in 1988, the 2008 50&50 is a bold, oak-driven wine that is loaded tight with sweet spice, tobacco, prune and various layers of unidentified black fruit. The blend is equal parts Sangiovese (from Gaiole in Chianti) and Merlot (from Montepulciano), aged in French barrique for 24 months. Ultimately, the wine is more expressive of oak, than it is of fruit and this remains the case today, despite the considerable bottle aging. It shows deep concentration and sweet spice flavors followed by medium length that is indicative of the uneven vintage. The blueprint of the wine may need to be revisited, stylistically speaking. Drink: 2014-2022.