The 1994 Merlot Sangiacomo exhibits a deep, plummy color, and a pruny nose, suggesting considerable over-ripeness, intermingled with strong aromas of new oak. Although disjointed and clumsy at present, this wine possesses plenty of extract, body, and length, but it is not yet fully knitted together. Hard tannin in the finish is also unintegrated. Wines go through different stages, so this is hardly a definitive look at this Merlot from one of California's most accomplished wineries. My gut instinct suggests this offering is better than it revealed in the tasting, but I would be doing readers a disservice if I provided a more positive review than the wine I tasted deserved. Note: Prices are listed only for those wines that are being pre-sold as futures by MacArthur Beverages in Washington, DC, the first American wine shop to offer California wine futures, which they have done for eleven consecutive years. Tel. (707) 938-1960