The 'puzzle' of Conundrum - they never reveal its exact composition - comes in part from the range of grape varieties used as well as where and how the grapes are grown before making the final blend.
Conundrum is truly a California wine, including grapes from the Napa, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Tulare counties. The Sauvignon Blanc came from the Napa Valley, where the weather was warm enough to bring out this grape’s green-melon-like character at one vineyard site and its fresh-cut-grass character at another site.
The next grapes to be harvested were the Muscat Canelli, from warm Tulare County. Here, the Muscat grape gives Conundrum its high-toned, floral aroma, along with some equally floral, cool-climate Viognier grown in Monterey County. Additionally most of the Chardonnay and other varietals were grown in Monterey County, one of the coolest, driest growing regions in California to produce a wine of great character.
This is an unusual blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat Canelli. The intention is 'to combine flavours in a way that highlights the unique qualities of each grape but results in a wine that is greater than the sum of the parts.
This vintage shows an exceptional integration of its various layers, with aromas of peach, apricot, honeysuckle as well as a zesty lemon/lime. On the palate flavours of apricot, green melon and pear backed by a notes of tropical fruit and spicy vanilla are evident to produce a lush, creamy texture and a crisp, balancing finish with lingering notes of citrus.
