2018 Argiano, Solengo, Toscana IGT

The Argiano 2018 Solengo is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese that flaunts the richness, dark concentration and spicy flavors of a full-throttle Tuscan blend, or the kind of wine that is universally attractive to lovers of hearty red wines for a steak-and-potato kind of night. Solengo's black fruit richness is backed by lots of oak spice and toast. With 60% new French oak (and 40% second-year barrique) for 18 months, this wine embraces a contemporary feel with tight tannins (both from the fruit and the oak) and a rich, long finish. I recommend putting this wine aside for a few more years to let that tannic bitterness subside.

Very heavy bottle. Bordeaux blend with 5% Sangiovese! Very deep crimson – looks like a modern bordeaux! Very thick and concentrated with a strong oak imprint, and almost bitter on the end. Dramatic but very far from Tuscan! (JR)