Clos du Bois Rouge

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

Marketing new wine labels is essential to create some buzz on the crowded shelves. The marketers at Clos du Bois in California have decided that you can drink your wine and wear it as well, by combining it with a cosmetics line, which is sold separately.

The wine is a blend of cabernet, merlot, syrah and petite sirah, while the cosmetics involve rouge tints for the cheeks, nail polish and lip gloss. But it’s what’s in the glass that matters, not the color of the lipstick smudge left on the edge.

Rouge is a very approachable and balanced blend that is medium-bodied with plenty of berry flavor and spice to keep your palate interested.

Sherry: “Soft and smooth, with a floral essence of rose and strawberry flavor.” 3-1/2 stars

Chris: “A bouquet of leather and cedar with flavors of strawberry and cherry.” 3-1/2 stars

Available locally for about $10.50.

Coming next week: Columbia Crest Grand Estates Pinot Gris

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