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Subject: Caymus? Conundrum

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ChangeMe

Barrel Filler
Posts:1010

11/28/2002 6:58 PM
I noticed the 2001 Vintage of Conundrum at my local retailer the other day. I also noticed that the word Caymus is no longer visible anywhere on the bottle. Anyone know why? Has Caymus sold the brand? It seems to me that the Caymus name would certainly be a plus to sales to the unwashed masses.

Matt Letson User is Offline

Barrel Filler
Posts:1339

11/29/2002 2:49 AM
GA, I posted TN's on the Conundrum last week (WS Forums) and posed a similar question. You are correct, the bottle doesn't have the word Caymus on it, anywhere. One of the WS forumites mentioned that Caymus was attempting a "French" or "European" labeling mentality--meaning (according the poster) that Caymus would only bottle its red wines under the Caymus name. I am not really sure what the hell that's all about. Does this mean that all of the whites would fall under the Conundrum name? You know, I started my reply in the hopes of giving you some clarification--and I think now that I am more confused than ever. Hopefully someone can clear this up. Incidentally, the 2001 is a very good bottle of wine. Although not my favorite style of wine, I felt the bottle rated a solid 89 points (no matter what they call it).

ChangeMe

Master of Wine
Posts:11169

11/29/2002 4:27 AM
I liked Conundrum much more throught the 1992 vintage. Beginning in 1993, they added Viognier to the mix and I felt it detracted from the blend. Originally, after the Viognier was added, the wine was vinified with some additional sweetness which I found objectionable. I spoke to an assistant winemaker at Caymus when we visited and he agreed with me, but said it wasn't his decision.

JonesWineNo1 User is Offline

Sommelier
Posts:8568

11/29/2002 3:25 PM
Caymus wants to brand this wine separately from Caymus. Having it as a different brand will allow them the flexibility to sell the brand itself, issue cheapie red blends under that name without harming "Caymus", be more free to use grapes from different AVAs without fear of being considered a non Napa Valley dominant winery, crank up production without fear of further harming their reputation as a boutique, etc. I find the wine disgusting myself.

ChangeMe

Barrel Filler
Posts:1010

11/29/2002 3:33 PM
I figured as much. I'm not surprised that this decision came from the product cheapening division of Caymus. I wonder what else they will try to pass off under alternate labeling. I have always felt the Caymus pricing structure for their reds was, shall we say, ridiculous. I wouldn't classify the Conundrum as disgusting. I think that's a bit harsh. It is a wine that can be served to non wine types. They seem to like the sweetness in it. Unfortunately I have a lot of non wine friends that a great bottle of wine would be wasted on. It's certainly not my cup of tea but I can drink it in a pinch. Thanks for the info.

Matt Letson User is Offline

Barrel Filler
Posts:1339

11/29/2002 6:21 PM
I agree with your comments 100%, GA. Still, you gotta love JWN's pointedness--no question about how he feels about Caymus and their wines.

JonesWineNo1 User is Offline

Sommelier
Posts:8568

11/30/2002 3:30 PM
Thanks mletson but just to clarify I don't find Caymus wines disgusting (but it is not like I am running out and buying them out either even 2000 Special Selection at wholesale is of no interest) only the Conundrum.

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