Reviews & Ratings

2010 Smoking Loon Merlot "California"

Winery: Smoking Loon

Vintage: 2010

Wine Name/Vineyard: "California"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 84% Merlot, 6% Alicante Bouchet, 5% Petite Sirah, & 5% Syrah

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: California

State or country: CA

Price: $8

Cases produced: 117,500

KWG Score: 85 (based on 1 review)

Ken's Wine Rating: Good (85)

Review date: November 3, 2012

Wine Review: This value priced Merlot from Smoking Loon is ruby colored and opens with a fragrant black currant and smoky oak bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and easy going. The flavor profile is a gentle oak influenced plum with notes of dried red cherry and black currant. The finish is dry and its mild tannins are a little sticky. This is a good everyday Merlot to have with a grilled bacon and sautéed mushroom cheeseburger for Five Guys. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: Our Smoking Loon California Merlot has aromas of wild raspberry, strawberry, vanilla bean and fresh tobacco leaf. This wine exhibits a classic Merlot profile, with ripe cranberry and cherry flavors and subtle herbal notes, skillfully balanced by well-integrated oak. We use both American oak, for sage and vanilla tones, and French oak, for caramel and mocha notes. This wine is medium-bodied with moderate tannins and zesty acidity.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Smoking Loon 2010 Merlot.