The Conundrum Red Blend is a crowd-pleaser in the best sense — a rich, smooth California red from the Wagner family, the same family behind Caymus Vineyards. We pour it by the glass here in West Seattle because it’s exactly the kind of wine that works for almost everyone at the table: approachable, fruit-forward, and a little plush, with enough depth to keep things interesting.
About the Winery
Conundrum traces back to Charlie Wagner Sr., who co-founded Caymus Vineyards in 1972 and liked to blend different wines at his own table to find the perfect glass for a meal — a fairly radical idea at the time. His grandson, Charlie Wagner, carried that spirit forward, releasing the first Conundrum Red in 2011. The project is part of the Wagner Family of Wines, and the philosophy is still about blending across grapes and regions to build something greater than any single component.
Region & Grape
This is a proprietary California red blend, with fruit sourced from vineyards across multiple counties — Napa, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Benito, Solano, and Tulare among them. Each parcel is kept separate through winemaking, then blended for balance. The blend leans on grapes like Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which together give the wine its dark color, ripe fruit, and round texture.
Tasting Notes
Expect a deep, fruit-forward red with aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry, and dark chocolate. The palate is rich and velvety, with smooth, well-integrated tannins and a touch of sweetness to the fruit that makes it immediately likable. The finish is soft and lingering — comforting more than commanding.
What to Pair It With
Conundrum’s ripe fruit and gentle tannins are forgiving and versatile. Try it with our Camp West Burger, the Anatolian Bites (spiced beef and bulgur), or the Steak Tip Fettuccine. The wine’s dark-fruit sweetness plays beautifully against savory, spiced, and grilled flavors. Explore more on our dine-in menu.
How We Pour It at Camp West
Conundrum Red Blend is available by the glass at $13 and by the bottle at $44 — an easygoing choice for a relaxed night in the cabin.
FAQ
Who makes Conundrum Red Blend?
It’s made by the Wagner Family of Wines, the California family behind Caymus Vineyards, with the first Conundrum Red released in 2011.
What grapes are in Conundrum Red?
It’s a proprietary California blend that includes grapes such as Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from several California counties.
Is Conundrum a sweet wine?
It’s a dry red, but it’s notably fruit-forward and smooth, which can read as a gentle sweetness on the palate.
Ready to try it? Book a table, see the full beverage menu, or browse our wine list.