Savory aromas of olive and tomato paste meld with a rich blackberry jam core. The medium-bodied palate blends sweet and savory accents on top of plush berry flavors. Glossy tannins and bright acidity provide a well-meshed frame.

The 2018 Montepulciano I Vasari Old Vines wafts up with a ripe and intense display of medicinal cherry, plum sauce, cinnamon sugar and exotic spice. It's silky in texture, with more savoriness than its bouquet would suggest, mineral-tinged blackberries, citrus zests and hints of mocha. Inner violet florals and a layer of fine tannin linger long on a classically dry finale. However, as enjoyable as it is, the I Vasari lacks focus.