Josh Cellars Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Review

The Award-Winning Josh Cellars Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The Josh Cellars Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has earned acclaim as one of California's most notable value-priced Cabernets. With grapes sourced from top Lodi vineyards, this wine offers the depth and complexity of a classic Cabernet Sauvignon profile at an affordable price point.

Josh Cellars Winery History

The Josh Cellars brand originated with industry veteran Joseph Carr, a highly respected winemaker with over 30 years of winemaking experience. Carr named the label after his father, Josh, as a tribute to his mentorship and inspiration in Joseph’s winemaking journey.

Launched in 2007, the Josh Cellars portfolio aims specifically to overdeliver in quality for the price. Carr sources grapes from some of California's most esteemed vineyards to craft iconic blends that encapsulate the quintessential California style.

Pedigree of the Josh Cellars Lodi Reserve Cabernet

True to Joseph Carr’s mission, the #joshcabernet Lodi Reserve Cabernet offers premium quality and layered complexity rarely seen in value-priced Cabernets.

The Reserve Lodi Cab sources grapes from three of Lodi's oldest and most acclaimed vineyards – the Weglo, Gill Creek Ranch, and Harney Lane estates. Ranging from 50 to over 100 years old, these low-yielding, head-trained vines produce exceptional concentration and flavor development.

Winemaking Techniques

To accentuate the exceptional fruit, Carr ferments the Cabernet grapes in controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine ages for up to 26 months total – with time split between small French and American oak barrels for subtle texture and spice enhancement.

Bottling occurs unfined and unfiltered to retain purity of flavors and silky, integrated tannin structure.

Tasting Profile

The resulting 2015 #joshwine Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon overdelivers on quality – with California Cab character at an affordable price point. Lush aromas of blackberry, mocha, and subtle oak spice lead into a vibrant palate brimming with fresh red and black fruits.

The layered flavors mingle with hints of licorice, coffee bean, and sweet tobacco for an elegant, lingering finish. Fine-grained tannins provide structure and length to carry the rich fruit.

Critical Acclaim

Since its debut vintage in 2010, Joseph Carr’s Lodi Reserve Cab has earned consistent praise from wine critics and consumers alike. The wine consistently earns over 90 points across top industry reviews.

Noted wine critic James Suckling awarded 93 points to the 2015 vintage. He calls it “very pretty and refined” with “terrific quality for the price.”

In 2018, the Lodi Reserve Cab took home Best of Class of Region honors at the California State Fair wine competition.

Try the Newest Vintage!

Josh Cellars recently released their 2019 Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Early reviews laud the vintage for its vibrancy and structure - lovely black fruit and baking spice mingle with savory herbal notes on the lifted, fleshy palate.

The 2019 speaks beautifully to Joseph Carr’s consistent winemaking approach with the Reserve Lodi Cab – balancing richness of fruit with nuance, complexity, and approachable refinement.

Perfect Pairings

With its ripe, juicy black fruit flavors, the #cabernetsauvignon Reserve Lodi pairs brilliantly with similarly bold flavors. Classic pairings like grilled or smoked meats allow the wine’s elegant layers to shine.

The ripe blackberry notes also complement charred vegetables or roasted winter squash. Even dark chocolate or chocolate-based desserts make a sublime match with the wine’s subtle mocha tones.

Drink Now or Cellar

A wine of balance and structure, the Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon drinks beautifully upon release but also shows aging potential for 3-5 years or longer.

Lay down a few bottles in your cellar to monitor its evolution - the cedar and spice notes will become more pronounced over time, framing the enduring black fruits.

With its quality and complexity outpacing its price tag, the Josh Cellars Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon makes an compelling value. Explore Joseph Carr’s passion project to experience a classic Cab profile showcasing California character and nuance.

FAQs

What grapes are used to make the Josh Cellars Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon?

The Josh Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, sourced from select old vine vineyards in Lodi, California including the Weglo Vineyard, Gill Creek Ranch, and Harney Lane.

What is the flavor profile of the Josh Lodi Reserve Cabernet?

Ripe aromas of blackberry, mocha, and hints of oak lead a full, rich palate of black fruits layered with licorice, coffee, and sweet tobacco. Silky, polished tannins provide exceptional structure and length.

What vintage was recently released?

Josh Cellars released its current 2019 vintage of the Reserve Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon. Early critical reviews praise its vibrancy, approachable structure, and balanced black fruit flavors.

How long can this Josh Cellars cabernet be cellared?

While delicious upon release, the Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon has moderate aging potential of 3 to 5 years or longer. Cellar bottles to witness the pronounced spice and cedar notes that develop over time.

What foods pair well with the Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon?

Charred and roasted meats, dark chocolate, aged hard cheeses, and winter squashes are all excellent pairings. The Cabernet’s bold flavors can match intensity while showcasing nuance.