Bear with us as we strap in to the

“way-back” machine for just a moment.

There’s a terrific line from a 1970’s

Kris Kristofferson song that goes like this: 

He’s a walkin’ contradiction,

partly truth and partly fiction. 

In other words, like so many things we encounter, 

the subject of the song was a puzzle…

a little bit this and a little bit that…

which is a perfect set up for

Wine Thursday!, our weekly good-wine-at-a-

good-price-that-you-can-find review. 

This week, we’re digging into a white wine

that is…on purpose… somewhat of a head scratcher.

For the past 30 years, the Wagner family has been making

a California white wine blend known as Conundrum.

As far as I can determine,

they have never disclosed the exact composition

of the blend. 

They’ve never said it’s 53% this grape and

21% that grape, etc. 

They only tell us that it includes Chardonnay,

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscat Canelli and Viognier. 

How much of each varietal goes into the blend

remains…well…a conundrum.   

Like its predecessors, the 2019 version of Conundrum is unique. 

Slightly sweet, which might due to the Muscat and Viognier,

it overflows with fruit flavors.  There’s apple, pear, peach

and lemon-lime tones.  But it’s not cloying.

It retains a refreshing, vibrant tang.   

It’s easy to like.   Pair it with Thai or Indian food. 

And serve it chilled…the cooler, the better.   

The 2019 Conundrum white blend is widely distributed. 

It’s at Costco for $12.99.   You’ll find it at Walmart for $13.98. 

The price at Total Wine is $14.99.  It’s also at Target for $14.99

and Wine.com also has it for $14.99. 

Fred Meyer and QFC carry it for $16.99. 

The price at Ralph’s is $17.13 or you can order it

from the winery for $16

https://www.wagnerfamilyofwine.com/wine-shop/conundrum/