Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc 2008

Trying to trace the lineage of wine grapes can challenge even the most serious oenologist/genealogist.

Pinot blanc is a white grape that is a genetic mutation of pinot grigio, which itself is a mutation of the red grape pinot noir. It's used more in blends than as a stand-alone varietal.

Grown in the cool climate zones of the Russian River Valley and southern Sonoma County of California, this wine is cool fermented in stainless steel before some portions are aged in French oak and acacia barrels.

There's plenty of floral and orchard aromas that reveals citrus and stone fruit flavors balanced in a crisp, acidic light body.

Sherry: "A refreshing glass full of lime and honeydew melon with mineral on the finish." 3 stars

Chris: "Honeysuckle bouquet, flavors of pineapple and citrus fruit, and a surprise cherry taste on the back end." 3 stars

Available locally for about $13.

Coming next week: Folie a' Deux Zinfandel

Red blends - wines made from a variety of grapes - continue to be popular sellers, with new labels entering the market.

This winemaker takes its name from the small wild horses that used to roam Washington's Columbia River valley and were 14 hands high.

Until recently, this blend was available only in restaurants. It's a mixture of syrah, merlot, petite verdot and mourvedre, and is fermented with a cold soaking and daily pumping process that enhances the fresh fruit flavors.

Soft red fruit is clearly on display, and the flavor leans toward the sweet side.

Sherry: "Light-bodied and florally, with flavors of soft cherry and a vanilla finish." 2-1/2 stars

Chris: "Fig bouquet with flavors of sweet black cherry and a bit of raspberry." 3 stars

Available locally for about $9.

Coming next week: Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc