Viognier can be a rather forceful grape as a varietal, but it always seems to work splendidly as part of a blend. Case in point: the 2011 Domaine Gayda "Flying Solo" Grenache Blanc/Viognier ($11), which starts softly and really blossoms in the mouth, with crisp acidity kicking in toward the end. The flavors are green, but not in the vegetal sense; we're talking green apples and green grapes. (I love it when wine actually tastes like grapes.) Available at Kowalski's, South Lyndale, Mac's, Top Ten Woodbury, Lowry Hill, Stinson and the Wine Thief.

Bill Ward