Aromas of plum, with floral, meaty undertones, turn to ripe black fruit on the palate. Has a firm body, with lots of ripe fruit. Still needs a bit of time. Best after 2009. 1,000 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Select to Add

Fresh berry and cherry character, with medium body, lively acidity and a light finish. Drink now. 830 cases made, 300 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Select to Add

The 2001 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Gersemi adds some Cabernet to the blend, giving the wine a dark color, aromas of roasted fruit and mocha, and a long, tightly-knit palate, very savory but in need of some time to round off its tannins. Drink: 2006-2012. Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, NY; tel. (516) 802-4700.

The 2000 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Gersemi adds some Cabernet to the blend. Blackish and menacing in color, its herbs, plums, and cassis are joined on the nose by sweet oak. The flavors are tightly wound, intense, powerful, and even further behind in their evolution than the Pasiteo, but the berries, tar, and overall freshness are encouraging. Drink 2007-2014. Owned by the large Fazi-Battaglia house of the Marches, Fassati returned to life after a period of hibernation in the early 1990s thanks to the fundamental input supplied by consulting winemaker Franco Bernabei. The wines continue to show his hand and philosophy. Firm and tannic with a bracing acidity when young, they are built to evolve slowly and stay the course. Importer: Palm Bay International, Port Washington, NY; tel. (516) 802-4700.