Josh Cellars Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon

Josh Cellars Bourbon Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied North Coast California Cabernet Sauvignon aged in charred bourbon barrels, bottled at 750ml with an ABV of approximately 14.5–15% depending on vintage. The 2019 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, placing it among the stronger performers in the bourbon barrel-aged red wine category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5–15%  |  Origin: North Coast, California  |  Style: Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: Josh Cellars (Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits)

Production & Heritage

Josh Cellars is produced by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, one of the largest family-owned wine companies in the United States. The Bourbon Barrel expression begins as 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from California's North Coast and Paso Robles regions, then spends time aging in charred ex-bourbon barrels that previously held Redemption and Bib & Tucker Bourbon. This secondary maturation—typically lasting two to three months—layers vanilla, caramel, and brown spice onto the wine's dark fruit core without overwhelming the varietal character. The result bridges two American traditions: California winemaking and Kentucky bourbon cooperage.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bold plum and blackberry dominate the opening, followed by waves of dark chocolate, sweet burnt toffee, and a thread of roasted coffee. Light vanilla from the bourbon barrels ties the aromatics together.

Taste: The entry is decidedly fruit-forward—ripe blackberry and black currant hit immediately, making this a generous, dark-fruited Cabernet. At mid-palate, the bourbon barrel influence emerges with caramel, brown baking spice, and vanilla, while hints of cranberry and barbecued meat add savory complexity. Rich, firm tannins give the wine structure without harshness.

Finish: Medium-long and warming, with lingering vanilla, toasted oak, and a faint sweetness reminiscent of toffee. The tannins dry gently, leaving a clean, spice-tinged close.

How to Drink Josh Bourbon Barrel Cabernet

This wine drinks well at slightly below room temperature—around 60–65°F—either on its own or with food. Decanting for 20–30 minutes opens up the darker fruit and softens the tannins. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try it in a Cabernet Sangria with brandy, cinnamon, and sliced stone fruit, where the barrel-aged vanilla adds depth. A Bourbon Barrel Red Wine Spritz with a splash of sparkling water and an orange peel works as a lighter warm-weather option. It also makes a compelling base for a Mulled Wine, as the existing spice and caramel notes harmonize naturally with clove, star anise, and citrus.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring barrel-aged wines for the first time
• Steak night or backyard barbecue dinners featuring smoked or grilled meats
• Gifting a red wine drinker who enjoys bold, fruit-driven styles
• Casual dinner parties where a crowd-pleasing, conversation-starting bottle is needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Josh Bourbon Barrel Cabernet taste like? It delivers a fruit-forward burst of blackberry and black currant layered with vanilla, caramel, brown spice, and dark chocolate from its time in charred bourbon barrels. Rich tannins and a warming, toffee-tinged finish round out a full-bodied profile.

How does Josh Bourbon Barrel Cabernet compare to The Federalist Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are California Cabernets aged in ex-bourbon barrels, but Josh Bourbon Barrel tends to lean more fruit-forward with pronounced blackberry and toffee, while The Federalist typically shows a slightly drier, more oak-driven character. Reviewers have noted the two are closely matched, with preference often coming down to whether a drinker favors sweeter fruit or structured tannin.

Is Josh Bourbon Barrel Cabernet good for beginners? Yes—its generous dark fruit, approachable vanilla sweetness, and smooth tannins make it an accessible entry point into both Cabernet Sauvignon and the bourbon barrel-aged wine category.

Where is Josh Bourbon Barrel Cabernet made? It is produced by Josh Cellars in California, using Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from the North Coast and Paso Robles appellations, then aged in charred bourbon barrels that previously held Redemption and Bib & Tucker Bourbon.

What foods pair well with Josh Bourbon Barrel Cabernet? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the wine's caramel and spice mirror barbecue glaze; dark chocolate desserts, which echo the wine's cocoa notes; aged cheddar or Gouda, whose nuttiness complements the barrel-aged vanilla; grilled lamb chops with rosemary; and mushroom risotto, where the earthy umami balances the wine's fruit intensity.

What sizes does Josh Bourbon Barrel Cabernet come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.

Is Josh Bourbon Barrel Cabernet worth the price? It positions as an affordable, everyday-premium red wine, and the 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast for the 2019 vintage suggests strong quality relative to its accessible price tier in the bourbon barrel-aged category.

Why Josh Bourbon Barrel Cabernet?

What separates this wine from the growing field of bourbon barrel-aged reds is specificity of sourcing—the barrels previously held Redemption and Bib & Tucker Bourbon, lending a particular vanilla-and-caramel signature rather than a generic oak influence. The 91-point Wine Enthusiast rating for the 2019 vintage validates the execution. As a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from respected North Coast and Paso Robles vineyards, it retains genuine varietal identity beneath the barrel character, a balance many competitors struggle to achieve. For drinkers who want bourbon-inflected richness without losing the backbone of a serious California Cabernet, this remains one of the most reliable options at its price point.