Wine Review: Caymus Conundrum 2005
I wasn’t always a big white wine guy. My idea was that all whites were so sweet that either a) my teeth would rot with each sip or b) I’d need to invest in insulin to handle them. I’ve since proven myself wrong with many varietals and vintages, but this wine is a puzzle to decipher.
According to the winemaker, this vintage includes Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Muscat Canelli, and Chardonnay grapes, all sourced from various lots in California. I’m no wine wizard at this point in my life, but I definitely taste sauv blanc and chardonnay in this vintage.
Expect a very fruity nose, with aromas of pear and apricot. There are also some floral elements, but they are overshadowed by the white fruits. In the mouth, the 2005 Conundrum has the presence of oak — which makes sense, this vintage is 3/4 oak and 1/4 stainless steel fermented. It is also cloyingly sweet and dry at the same time. Some of the sweetness is definitely sucrose, the Muscat makes sure of that. However, some of the sweentess comes from the pronounced fruit flavors that carry over from the nose to the mouth. Other background flavors include tropical fruits and vanilla. There is a hint of spice, but not as much as you’d get from a red.
This bottle is a bit pricey ($28 retail), but worth the expense if you’re hosting a small gathering or trying to impress a white wine drinker. As a daily drinker, I can’t recommend this wine simply because there are far superior single varietal wines for a fraction of the price. As a blend, this one is a must-try.
Add comment December 1st, 2007