Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 375ML

Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 375ML is a full-bodied California Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 13.5% ABV in a convenient half-bottle format. The 2019 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the Josh Cellars brand was named American Winery of the Year by the same publication in 2021.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Josh Cellars (Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits)

Production & Heritage

Josh Cellars is produced by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits and named after founder Joseph Carr's father. What distinguishes this Cabernet Sauvignon is its multi-regional sourcing strategy: grapes are drawn from vineyards in Paso Robles, Mendocino, and the North Coast, then blended for consistency and complexity despite being a single-varietal wine. The wine is aged in oak barrels, which contribute structure and layers of warm spice and vanilla to the finished product.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe black currant and dark plum lead, followed by a subtle smokiness and saddle leather quality. Deeper in the glass, floral undertones and baking spices emerge.

Taste: The entry is round and juicy, with blackberry and dark cherry fruit arriving immediately. Mid-palate, toasted hazelnut and cocoa add depth, while cinnamon and vanilla notes from oak aging weave through the ripe plum and candied fruit flavors. The body is full and the tannins are velvety, giving the wine an approachable, generous structure.

Finish: Balanced and long, with lingering licorice and plum jam trailing into subtle oak spice. The tannins hold firm without turning grippy, keeping the finish smooth and satisfying.

How to Drink Josh Cellars Cab

This Cabernet drinks well at cool room temperature, around 60–65°F, and benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing after opening. The 375ml format makes it ideal for a single evening without leftover wine oxidizing in the bottle.

• Classic Cabernet pairing: Serve alongside a grilled ribeye — the wine's firm tannins and dark fruit cut through the richness of the beef.
• Red Wine Sangria: The blackberry and plum profile makes a natural base for a fruit-forward sangria with sliced stone fruit and a splash of brandy.
• Kalimotxo: The round, juicy character stands up well in this simple Spanish red wine and cola cocktail, where the vanilla and spice notes complement the cola's sweetness.

Best For

• A weeknight dinner for one or two without committing to a full bottle
• Building a tasting flight of California Cabernet Sauvignons at different price tiers
• Adding to a gift basket or wine sampler for a red wine enthusiast
• Bringing to a dinner party as a personal pour alongside the host's selection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Josh Cellars Cab taste like? Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red with dominant flavors of blackberry, dark cherry, and toasted hazelnut, layered with vanilla, cocoa, and a subtle cinnamon warmth from oak aging.

How does Josh Cellars Cab compare to Apothic Red? Apothic Red is a medium-bodied red blend designed for immediate, fruit-forward drinkability, while Josh Cellars is a single-varietal Cabernet Sauvignon with fuller body, firmer tannins, and more pronounced oak-driven complexity. Josh Cellars also benefits from multi-regional California sourcing, giving it a different depth profile than Apothic's blend approach.

Is Josh Cellars Cab good for beginners? Yes — the velvety tannins and fruit-forward profile make it one of the more approachable California Cabernets, while the 375ml size lets newer wine drinkers explore the varietal without a large commitment.

Where is Josh Cellars Cab made? Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in California by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits, with grapes sourced from vineyards across Paso Robles, Mendocino, and the North Coast growing regions.

What foods pair well with Josh Cellars Cab? Grilled red meats like ribeye or lamb chops match the wine's tannin structure. Aged cheddar or Gouda complement the toasted hazelnut and vanilla notes. Mushroom risotto echoes the wine's earthy undertones. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the cocoa and blackberry flavors. Herb-crusted pork tenderloin bridges the fruit and spice elements nicely.

What sizes does Josh Cellars Cab come in? Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is commonly available in 375ml half bottles and standard 750ml bottles.

Is Josh Cellars Cab worth the price? Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon positions as a value-tier California Cabernet that consistently punches above its weight — the 91-point Wine Enthusiast score and American Winery of the Year recognition suggest quality that outpaces many wines at this price level.

Why Josh Cellars Cab?

A 91-point score from Wine Enthusiast is uncommon territory for a California Cabernet at this price tier, and it signals genuine quality rather than marketing hype. The multi-regional blending strategy — pulling Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from Paso Robles, Mendocino, and the North Coast — gives the winemaking team flexibility to maintain a consistent, layered profile vintage after vintage. The 375ml half bottle is a practical format that eliminates waste and suits solo dining or small gatherings. For drinkers looking for a reliable, full-bodied Cabernet with real oak complexity and proven critical recognition, this bottling delivers without requiring a premium-tier investment.