My friend Paco, who lived on the West Coast, introduced me to Josh Cellars a few years ago. He said that Josh Cellars deliver bold Cabs that consistently offer excellent quality at a great price. After that, when he moved to the East Coast, we enjoyed the Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignons a couple of times in festive gatherings. Then, last year, he gifted us the Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99) for Christmas. Hence, when I came across that Josh Cellars named 2021 American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast, I was more curious to learn about their story. On top of that, I reviewed some of the other Josh Cellars Hearty Cabernets that are perfect additions for the doldrums March.
Josh Cellars is the American Winery that achieved the American Dream.
On every Josh Cellars wine label, you will find the legend “Blended and Bottled by Joseph Carr.” I found that detail a little homage to the founder of this American brand. The creator of such work of drinkable art should be recognized somehow and often is overlooked. Nowadays, Joseph Carr still oversees the winemaking process and winemaker Wayne Donaldson.
Josh Cellars were created in 2005 precisely by vintner and winemaker Joseph Carr as a tribute to his father, Josh. According to their website, Joseph Carr, inspired by his dad’s work ethic and values, mortgaged his house and began selling Josh Cellars out of the back of his truck, meticulously building the brand’s distribution. Josh Cellars started with one wine, Cabernet Sauvignon.
I witness how this Reserve portfolio of fine wines from California’s best-growing regions has conquered the hearts of many. Remember the story of my friend Paco who is genuinely a fan and ambassador of the brand.
In regards to business, in 2011, Carr partnered with Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits. Since then, Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits has managed the sales, marketing, and production for Josh Cellars, allowing Joseph Carr to continue focusing on his art.
These big, bold reds pair well with delicious stews and meat recipes. These wines are perfect additions for the doldrums of February and March. Plus the price points are fantastic! Josh Cellars are widely available throughout the country.
Josh Cellars the Hearty Cabernets
Josh Cellars Reserve Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99)
Aromas of dark fruit such as bright blueberry and secondary notes of spices, such as nutmeg and leather. Bold flavors of rich plum, blackberry, coffee, and vanilla on the palate.
Pair this full-bodied wine with warm stews or anything that enhances the fruity and earthy characteristics of the wine.
Josh Cellars Reserve North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99)
Aromas of dark fruits and roasted nuts include fresh black cherries, blackcurrant, rose petal, and roasted walnuts.
The palate shows rich flavors of black cherries, toasted hazelnuts, fresh sage, mocha, and subtle vanilla and oak flavors. Pronounced tannins, decant, and save a bottle to try later as they will soften with age. Pair this full-bodied wine with braised short ribs or well-seasoned steak.
Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon ($21.99)
The bouquet is rich and complex on the nose with blackberry, dark chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and sweet burnt toffee. Bourbon barrel aging imparts vanilla, brown spice, and caramel flavors, which blend harmoniously with ripe plum, cranberry, and hints of barbequed meats. Tannins are rustic and robust. Pair this with barbecue, smoked meats, grilled hamburgers, or chocolate cake.
Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99)
The bouquet is intense with accentuated dark fruits, cinnamon, clove, and subtle oak aromas. Flavors of black cherries and blackberries on the palate, accented by vanilla and toasty oak, finishing long with round, soft tannins. Pair this with a flavorful roast or well-seasoned steak.
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