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