Charlie Wagner, Director of Winemaking
We believe in being both serious and playful, and this wine fits the bill. A rich, dark red, it offers aromas of ripe berries and plums, warmed by a hint of cocoa. Dried fruit and the taste of chocolate-covered cherries come through on the palate, while a wisp of smokiness makes this wine – created from dark red varietals including Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon – the perfect complement to grilled meats and full-flavored dishes. Tannins are rounded out by the ripeness of the berries for a texturous but smooth mouth feel. The finish makes us think of lingering at the end of a long evening and still not wanting to go home, with layers of rich flavor that teasingly trail off.
Nose: Chocolate brownie and cherry are balanced by notes of bar-b-que, mesquite smoke and leather. Rich but not sweet, with intoxicating layers.
Palate: Dark chocolate with ripe plums, a hint of blackberry and integrated wood. This wine features a defining texture – produced from a chalky tannin character that is both round and grippy.
Style differentiator: Dry yet rich, with lavish fruit. Be daring and drink slightly chilled to enhance the flavor profile.
Vineyards: Sourced from premier wine regions in California where red varietals thrive – producing Conundrum Red led us to even greater exploration of California.
Varietals: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon each add distinct aromas, flavors and character to the blend.
Suggested food pairings from winemaker Charlie Wagner: Asian, Indian or Mexican; smoked meats or grilled hamburgers – don’t forget the fries!
“The beauty of going outside one growing region in California and venturing into others is that you really have no rules when it comes to what you can blend.”
- Charlie Wagner, Conundrum Wines
