A conundrum is an enigma, a puzzle, a mystery or a riddle. Conundrum on the label humbly states that it is a California White Table Wine. The Wagner family has a proprietary blend that makes this wine, much more than a white wine. When we went to the winery we learned that the Wagner family firmly believes less is more. There were five wines to taste, very short and sweet.
They started of with a 1997 Pinot Noir Blanc, which was 100% Pinot Noir and it was very dry and very pleasant. Prior to getting to the winery, I only knew that they made a Cabernet Sauvignon (I guess I should have done more homework for the trip). Then they served a 1997 Sauvignon Blanc with 10% Chardonnay that had a lush taste for this type of wine, that sometimes seems lacking with some vintners. I recently checked their current offerings, and these first two wines are not being produced any more at the Caymus Winery.
The next wine that was poured was a 1996 Conundrum, and it was the first time I had the pleasure of tasting this wine. I had heard about it, but never tried it, shame on me. It is still one of my go-to wines, because it has a taste that seems to work with any dish, including spicy, hence its name. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Semillon and Viognier. I find it so refreshing that I keep going back for more.
The next wine was a 1996 Zinfandel (which had 16% Petite Syrah). I have never been a fan of Zin, but I was surprised at the suppleness and the nuances of flavor that this wine showed. I developed a new appreciation for the old work horse grape of California.
Finally they poured the 1996 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and it had a nose and a taste that would make most of their neighbors envious. It was robust and ready to be drunk, but they also figured that it would age for another fifteen years and mellow out and have all the characteristics of a classic aged Cab.
There was no Caymus Special Select made in 1996 or 1993. They still had some of the 1995 but they were not offering it as part of the tasting. This is the one that people always talk about and rightfully so. We bought the 1995 to cellar and enjoyed it, as one would enjoy a First Growth Bordeaux, it was that good. My only complaint is that try as I might the labels on the bottles are impossible to remove, they dissolve and become an utter mess, hence no visual memories to look back on.
There are not too many times when you can go into a winery and get five “wows” with five wines.
The Wine Raconteur 
We carry Conundrum at the store [Winn-Dixie] and will now have to break down and finally try it.
Thank you.
I do not know why my reply is out of order, but please look further down. I am still getting used to the structure of this site.
-John
I had a Caymus Cab this evening, although the vintage was much younger than yours!
Sounds like an awesome tasting extravaganza. Thank you for sharing it. Cheers!
You must have enjoyed your wine, and your meal was enhanced by the Caymus Cab. I do not have a complete vertical run, but I do have several years running. I try to show the labels that I have kept, rather than cut and pasting from the wineries (which may explain some of the poor labels that I show). If I show bottles, they are from my cellar, that are still in storage.
I say salud to your fine choice of a wine this evening.
-John
I am surprised that you have not tried it. It is a wine that my Bride will buy me, as a surprise, of course she likes it as much as I do. I look forward to you letting me know, what you think of it.
As always
John
Will do! BTW love that you photograph your labels. i realize it is a difficult task but I am enjoying seeing them even if crinkled etc. makes for good photos. Thanks again.
Ernest.