2018 Conundrum Caymus Vineyards
“Conundrum” is the name etched on this California wine; strange, huh? By definition a Conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem. (The wine is not called an “Enigma”, which means that something or someone is mysterious or inexplicable.) Supposedly, the winemaker wanted the wine mysterious. It is a complex blend of white varietals: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscat Catelli, and Viognier. Also, the blending process has most of it fermenting in steel, but other in oak. Wow! Merely picking up a bottle of Conundrum generates lots of personal choices: • Should I buy this bottle? • Shall I open this bottle? • Must I drink this wine? Adding to a dilemma is its label declaring it a blend of California white wines. Another “tell” is its cost of under $20. The lower price indicates grapes aren’t estate varietals. Another “tell” is the winemaker chose the cost-cutting factor using twist-off cap instead of a traditional cork. There really wasn’t much of a Conundrum since I bought the bottle. Then, the wine I tasted at first did not match its tasting notes. I found a flower blossom nose, and disappointing tastes. It was of wet grass, some lemon and a dry finish. At this point in the tasting, the white blend would have a gotten a T-1, meaning acceptable/drinkable I realized there was a dilemma. This white wine was served at red wine temperature: 66 °. So, I refrigerated the temperature down to white wine temps of 45°, which made a world of difference. Here was a new and better wine. Cooling the wine changed the wine; it did bring out its many aromas. The nose changed to floral, sweet pea; it became fruity with green apple, lemon, a smooth finish. Its Taste rating went up as well as other components.
