Higher priced but is it higher quality? We check out the Josh Cellars Reserve Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon.
Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California. The wine is aged in 20% new French oak and has 6 g/L of residual sugar.
Sample submitted for review. The wine has an SRP of $22 and is available for as low as $16.
Today we're reviewing one of the Reserve level Cabs from Josh Cellars, whose entry level California Cabernet offers tremendous value. Retailing for about $5 more, this version comes entirely from Paso Robles. Let's check it out.
From the bottle:
My dad, Josh, taught me that the most important things in life take hard work. I created my Reserve wines with this in mind, taking care to craft them to the highest standards.
This wine comes from the central California's Paso Robles region, which is known for its richly textured Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of red fruits are backed by powerful scents of black peppercorn. On the palate, the wine features flavors of raspberry, coffee, and vanilla. Bold tannins lead to a long, smooth finish.
Blended and Bottled by Joseph Carr
14.0% Alcohol
The 2019 Josh Cellars Reserve Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a pleasing aroma of black cherry and assorted berry notes along with touches of baking spice, cola and vanilla.
Tasting the full-bodied wine reveals that while still juicy, it's not quite as juicy as the normal bottling while adding a layer of earthiness that bottle lacks. The oaky notes here lean more towards coffee and tobacco. Overall this Reserve Cab is a bit more complex but also probably not quite as approachable as the crowd-pleasing California appellation version.
It ends with a dry, long, tasty finish and was just as good on day 2.
Overall this is solidly in Recommended Buy territory meaning it is well worth the price. Is it better than the excellent entry level Josh Cellars Cabernet? That's really a matter of preference.
As we explain in our article How To Choose A Good Bottle of Wine, as you drill down into smaller appellations, you tend to get more of the unique characteristics of that place in the bottle. Wines carrying the California appellation can be blends from all over the state, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just different.
Those who like a bit more complexity as well as things like coffee and tobacco notes will be happy to spend the extra dollars for this wine. In our opinion, you really can't go wrong either way. (You may also want to check out our recent review of another Josh Reserve Cab, the Josh Cellars North Coast Reserve.)
Ready to buy? Check your local retailers.
2019 Josh Cellars Reserve Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
