Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
$14.99
Showing image 1 of 1: Smoking Loon Merlot 750 Ml front bottle
Smoking Loon Merlot
Smoking Loon · California · United States
$8.99
1
Only 6 left in stock
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Why it’s a great value
It carries a verified 84-point score from Wine Enthusiast at a price under $25. The next step up in the same style, Josh Cellars Merlot, is $14.99.
Taste profile
SweetnessDry → Sweet
BodyLight → Full
AciditySoft → Bright
TanninSilky → Grippy
OakNone → Bold
FruitSubtle → Intense
What it tastes like
A medium-bodied, dry Merlot with red berry and cherry fruit, a light herbal note, soft-to-moderate tannins and a cocoa-oak finish.
You’ll like this if…
Choose this if you like approachable California Merlot, easy red blends, or Cabernet that is softer and less tannic.
Why buy it
It is a straightforward, food-friendly red with confirmed Smoking Loon identity and UPC, priced for everyday drinking.
Best for
Burgers, pork chops, pizza, roasted vegetables and casual weeknight meals.
Style
Dry, medium-bodied California Merlot with fruit-forward character, moderate tannin, zesty acidity and integrated oak.
Drinks like
California Merlot, soft California Cabernet, fruit-forward red blends
Experience level
Beginner-friendly
Flavor notes
Pairs well with
Beef: grilled Cuban flank steak(winery pick)
Pork: bacon-wrapped pork chops(winery pick)
Vegetables: autumn salad with roasted butternut squash(winery pick)
Serving & enjoying
- Serving temperature:
- 60-65°F
- Decanting:
- Not required; a few minutes in the glass is enough.
- Glassware:
- Bordeaux or all-purpose red wine glass
- Drink or cellar:
- Enjoy now; this is made for immediate, casual drinking rather than long cellaring.
- After opening:
- Best within 2-3 days if recorked and refrigerated.
Guidance partly estimated by WineDiscounts from the wine’s style.
About this wine
Smoking Loon Merlot is a fruit-forward California red with wild strawberry, cranberry and cherry notes, a light herbal accent, integrated oak and a touch of milk chocolate. Medium-bodied with moderate tannins and zesty acidity, it is an easy everyday Merlot for burgers, pork chops and weeknight dinners.
Wine details
- Type
- red
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Grapes
- Merlot
- Producer
- Smoking Loon
- Country
- United States
- Region
- California
- Appellation
- California
- Bottle size
- 750 Ml
- ABV
- 13.5%
Details last verified September 24, 2026
Explore
Winemaking details ›
- Winemaker:
- Alec McTaggart
- Vineyard source:
- Smoking Loon sources fruit from top wine regions around the world; retailer listings identify this Merlot as California.
About the winery · Smoking Loon ›
Smoking Loon is part of the Don Sebastiani & Sons portfolio. The brand is positioned around approachable, food-friendly wines with bold flavors and everyday value. Don Sebastiani & Sons says Smoking Loon wines are crafted to show varietal character and are sourced from regions such as California, Chile and South Africa. The official brand page lists Alec McTaggart as winemaker and includes Merlot among the current varietals.
Critic reviews
84/100Wine Enthusiast
“Fruity enough in raspberries and cherries.”
84/100Wine Enthusiast
“Pretty good berry-cherry flavors, with a kiss of oak.”
Trade up
$14.99Josh Cellars Merlot
Merlot · California
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Smoking Loon Merlot dry or sweet?
- Smoking Loon Merlot is bone dry — its sweetness rating is 1 on our 1 (bone dry) to 5 (sweet) scale. It is medium-bodied.
- What does Smoking Loon Merlot taste like?
- A medium-bodied, dry Merlot with red berry and cherry fruit, a light herbal note, soft-to-moderate tannins and a cocoa-oak finish.
- What food pairs with Smoking Loon Merlot?
- It pairs well with grilled Cuban flank steak, bacon-wrapped pork chops, autumn salad with roasted butternut squash and cheeseburgers or grilled sausages.
- How should I serve Smoking Loon Merlot?
- Serve at 60-65°F. Not required; a few minutes in the glass is enough. Glass: Bordeaux or all-purpose red wine glass.
- Is Smoking Loon Merlot a good value?
- At $8.99 it carries a verified 84-point score from Wine Enthusiast; the review is shown on this page.
- What is the bottle size and alcohol content of Smoking Loon Merlot?
- 750 ml bottle, 13.5% alcohol by volume.