Smoking Loon - Best Wine Label under $10

Believe it or not, a wine does not have to be expensive to be enjoyable. There are plenty of good wines that are below $10. In this economy, expensive wines are looked at as a luxury and it is. Smoking Loon is my pick for best quality under $10. Do not let the wine label design or the name fool you. All their wines are full of flavor, rich aromas, and pairs well with all foods or even enjoy a glass of each wine by itself.

Smoking Loon has been a production of Don Sebastiani and Sons since 2001. This brand can be found in almost any local grocery store, bulk wholesale stores, and most wine & liquor stores. I’m not going to recommend a single bottle by Smoking Loon, because every bottle of wine they offer is of the highest quality for the price and they offer a wine for every occasion.

Recommend wines by Smoking Loon are:

2007 California Merlot – Avg. price: $6 - $10
Wine traits: While Merlot can seem bland in comparison to other varietals, it’s one of the most publicly favored wines on the market. Smoking Loon produces well balanced, light tannin merlot. It’s medium bodied with aromas of plum, black cherry, green olives, and currants. On the palate with tastes of sweet cherries, ripe plums, cranberry, black pepper, and a hint of bay leaves.

2007 California Cabernet Sauvignon – Avg. price: Ave Price: $6 - $10
Wine traits: This is one of the highest rated wines by Smoking Loon. It’s perfectly balanced with flavor, tannins, and aromas. This peppery wine is very bold with strong flavors of black cherry and ripe strawberry with a hint of French oak. The aroma is bouquet of cinnamon, cloves, and black cherry. Enjoy this wine with any almost any food that has bold flavors or spice like a barbecued steak.

2006 California Chardonnay – Avg. price: $7 - $10
Wine traits: This fruity wine is quiet enjoyable with an aroma of flowers and pineapple. This chardonnay begins with a taste of soft vanilla and ends dry with a flavor of vanilla oak. Enjoy this wine with an appetizer of cheese and crackers with a chicken salad, grilled chicken breast, or even seafood.
Note: The 2007 Chardonnay should be ready to be released at the end of this year.

2006 California Syrah – Avg. price $7 - $9
Wine Traits: This is one of Smoking Loon’s best wines. Its big with juicy flavors of strawberry, mocha, and caramel. It has a leathery nose, but also ends very warm and smooth. Enjoy with spicy barbecue steak and chicken, or enjoy with teriyaki beef and other meaty Asian dishes.

2006 California Old Vine Zinfandel – Avg. price: $7 - $10
Wine traits: This robust wine has aromas of fig, cherry, and spice. On the palate it hints of dark chocolate, blackberries, and vanilla oak.

2006 California Viogner – Avg. price: $6 - $10
Wine traits: This is a very floral scented wine. The palate is rich with peach and apricot with a finish of honey and cloves.

2006 California Pinot Noir – Avg. $6 - $9
Wine traits: This well balanced is medium bodied with tastes of pomegranate, cherries, strawberry, and cinnamon flavors and a light aroma of roses and violets. This vegetarian friendly wine also pairs with salmon, chicken, lamb, and hamburgers.

Wines by Smoking Loon that I have not rated:
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Grigio