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Conundrum Wines Red

Conundrum Wines · California · United States

88 pts · Wine Spectator
$21.99
1

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Add this wine to your mix-and-match 12-bottle case — every bottle at our already-low everyday price.

Why it’s a great value

It carries a verified 88-point score from Wine Spectator at a price under $25. If you want to spend less, Apothic Brew Red Blend is $13.99.

Taste profile

SweetnessDry → Sweet
BodyLight → Full
Acidity*Soft → Bright
Tannin*Silky → Grippy
Oak*None → Bold
Fruit*Subtle → Intense

* WineDiscounts editorial estimate based on verified tasting notes.

What it tastes like

Plush plum and dark berry fruit with pastry notes, integrated wood, and a smooth, softly tannic finish.

You’ll like this if…

Choose this if you like rich California red blends, Zinfandel-based blends, smooth Cabernet blends, or reds with generous fruit but a dry finish.

Why buy it

It delivers the broad appeal of a ripe California red blend with enough structure for burgers, smoky barbecue, and spice-driven takeout.

Best for

Shoppers who want a smooth, fruit-forward red for grilled meats and flavorful weeknight dinners.

Style

Dry, rich, fruit-forward California red blend with soft tannins and integrated oak.

Drinks like

California Zinfandel blend, Petite Sirah blend, smooth California Cabernet-based red blend.

Experience level

Approachable for newer red-wine drinkers, still satisfying for fans of ripe California blends.

Flavor notes

FruitFrench plumfresh berriesripe plumdark berry
Oakintegrated wood
Otherpastrydark chocolatesoft tannin

Pairs well with

soy-glazed beef or pork · tandoori chicken or lamb kebabs · carne asada tacos · smoked brisket or ribs · grilled burgers

Best occasions

backyard grillingcasual dinner with bold flavorshostess giftmovie nighteasygoing steak night

Serving & enjoying

Serving temperature:
Slightly chilled, about 58-62°F.
Decanting:
No decanting required; a short 10-15 minute breather can soften the first pour.
Glassware:
Universal red wine glass or Cabernet-style glass.
Drink or cellar:
Made for current drinking; enjoy while the fruit is fresh and plush.
After opening:
Best within 2-3 days if recorked and kept cool.

Guidance partly estimated by WineDiscounts from the wine’s style.

About this wine

Conundrum Red is a plush California red blend with ripe plum, dark berry, pastry-like fruit, integrated wood, and soft, textural tannins. It is dry yet richly fruited, built for grilled burgers, smoky meats, and boldly seasoned dishes.

Wine details

Type
red
Varietal
Red Blend
Grapes
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon
Producer
Conundrum Wines
Country
United States
Region
California
Appellation
California
Bottle size
750 Ml
ABV
14.2%

Details last verified September 24, 2026

Explore

Winemaking details ›
Winemaker:
Charlie Wagner
Vineyard source:
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from premier wine regions in California.
About the winery · Conundrum Wines ›

Conundrum Wines traces its inspiration to Charlie Wagner Sr., co-founder of Caymus Vineyards, who would blend wines at the dinner table to find a better match for a meal. Conundrum White launched in 1989, and Conundrum Red was introduced in 2011 as a serious yet approachable California blend. Today, Charlie Wagner II continues the brand's focus on creative blending. The winery sources from both well-known and less expected California growing areas, including Napa, Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Benito, Solano, and Tulare Counties.

Critic reviews

88/100Wine Spectator

“Conundrum Red California 2010 $22 88”

Reviewed: Conundrum Red California (2010) — Wine Spectator, 2013-11-15 · source
Easier on the wallet

Apothic Brew Red Blend

Red Blend · California

$13.99

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Frequently asked questions

Is Conundrum Wines Red dry or sweet?
Conundrum Wines Red is dry — its sweetness rating is 2 on our 1 (bone dry) to 5 (sweet) scale. It is medium-to-full bodied.
What does Conundrum Wines Red taste like?
Plush plum and dark berry fruit with pastry notes, integrated wood, and a smooth, softly tannic finish.
What food pairs with Conundrum Wines Red?
It pairs well with soy-glazed beef or pork, tandoori chicken or lamb kebabs, carne asada tacos, smoked brisket or ribs and grilled burgers.
How should I serve Conundrum Wines Red?
Serve at Slightly chilled, about 58-62°F. No decanting required; a short 10-15 minute breather can soften the first pour. Glass: Universal red wine glass or Cabernet-style glass.
Is Conundrum Wines Red a good value?
At $21.99 it carries a verified 88-point score from Wine Spectator; the review is shown on this page.
Is there a similar wine that costs less than Conundrum Wines Red?
Apothic Brew Red Blend is a comparable Red Blend at $13.99. See Apothic Brew Red Blend
What is the bottle size and alcohol content of Conundrum Wines Red?
750 ml bottle, 14.2% alcohol by volume.