Since Carmenet's first vintage in 1982 their wines have been at least very good, often quite special, with a degree of complexity and elegance that is often missing in many of Sonoma's other Cabernet-based wines. While imbibers wanting a blockbuster heavyweight Cabernet from California might be disappointed with Carmenet, those who prefer deeply aromatic, spicy, perfumed wines with considerable complexity, should find these offerings have considerable merit. The 1990 Estate, produced from 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, and 14% Merlot, displays a big, spicy, oaky, olive and cherry-scented nose, elegant, medium-bodied, rich flavors, a chewy texture, soft tannins, adequate acidity, and a fleshy finish. There is a pronounced leafy (bell pepper?) quality to both of these wines. Both of these wines should be immensely impressive young and easily evolve for more than a decade.