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.