I am perplexed by the Carmenet wines. On the positive side, they possess elegance and finesse, but on the negative side, they are extremely tannic, and too high in acidity. Their leanness and austerity are at odds with the notion that wine is a beverage of pleasure. I thought the 1996 Chardonnay Sangiacomo was an attractive, well-made, straightforward Chardonnay presented in a medium-bodied, easy-going format.It needs to be drunk over the next year.Tel. (707) 996-5870; Fax (707) 996-5302