Conundrum 2008

What is that wonderfully robust, floral and bright tropical taste? Is it green apple, tangerine or honeysuckle? Could it possibly be apricot, melon, pear or light vanilla? That's the Conundrum. Our proprietarily secretive blend of California white grapes create a lush, creamy texture that leads to the mouth-watering question, "Mmmm, what's in there?" We're not telling. Can you guess?

Conundrum's success as a unique, complex blend of white grapes from California continues with the 2008 vintage in this fresh, lively, deeply-flavored wine.

This is the first vintage to be produced at the new production-only Conundrum winery in the Santa Lucia Highlands of Monterey County. Our wine's core profile remains thoroughly Californian, with Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the Napa Valley, Muscat Canelli from Tulare County on the Central Coast, and Chardonnay and Viognier from our vineyards in Monterey County. The "puzzle" of Conundrum lies partly in guessing the range of grape varieties we use, because we never reveal its exact composition.

We continue to have success in the twist-top closure. As a winemaker and someone who insists on wines without faults, I believe this closure is the right tool to protect the aromas and flavors that developed in the vineyards and were preserved in the bottle.

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