The new Conundrum has a delightfully floral bouquetthat burst forth with honeysuckle and butterscotch. Rich tropical flavors of mango, papaya and a hint of kiwi fruit shine through in the beginning. Next, fresh peaches and ripe pear tingle the palate as this luscious wine floats through your mouth like honey for a memorable, silky finish!”

The "puzzle" of Conundrum lies partly in guessing the range of grape varieties used, because its exact composition is never revealed! To create the layered flavors that go into the Conundrum blend, Sauvignon Blanc grapes were brought in from the Napa Valley, Muscat Canelli from Tulare County on the Central Coast, and Chardonnay and Viognier from Conundrum's vineyards in Monterey County. About one quarter of the wine lots were fermented in stainless steel in order to preserve their individual fruit characteristics. The remaining lots were fermented in a combination of new and seasoned oak barrels for up to ten months.

Review

“This delicious blend of five white wine grapes is one of the best of its type from California. It’s a complex wine, with an array of ripe, concentrated flavors—pear, honey, fig, vanilla, peach and nectarine, finishing with lots of character and a dash of spice. Delicious.” -Wine Spectator There is no wine in all of California comparable to Conundrum. It’s made from a blend of grapes grown all over the state, and you can almost taste the flavors of each and every varietal: There’s lush Chardonnay and Sémillon, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, intense Viognier and spicy, aromatic Muscat.” -Food & Wine

Wine maker notes

Mmmmmm. What’s In There? Gorgeous aromas of apricot, honeysuckle, vanilla, and lime zest enhance a deeply-flavored palate of tropical fruit, peach, pear and honeydew melon. The complexity of this wine is brought into balance with a rich, round, soft texture; fresh, supportive acidity; and a stunning, satisfying finish

Food pairing

Spicy Thai Curry, Fried Shrimp, Sushi, Tuna Tartare, Maytag Blue Cheese with pears or Chinese

Producer

For five generations, my family has lived and loved the Napa Valley. Our grandfather settled here in the 1800s and from that moment forward, we’ve grown to understand there is simply no substitute for an intimate knowledge of the land that only comes by ”living” in the vineyard. Working the land with our own hands has given us insights into California winemaking that can’t be found in any book or corporate farm manual. -Chuck Wagner We are the Wagner Family of Wine: Chuck Wagner continues to direct the world-reknown Cabernet program at Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley; Charlie is making exquisite Chardonnay at Mer Soleil in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County; Joseph is making fine Pinot Noir under the Belle Glos label in the coastal areas of California; Jenny is learning the ropes here at Caymus and ah yes, our longtime winemaker for Conundrum, Jon Bolta, continues his craft of making that puzzling, white wine blend.