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What's Behind the Popularity of Josh Cellars Wines?

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What's Behind the Popularity of Josh Cellars Wines?

Joseph Carr created Josh Cellars in 2007 to honor his father Josh, a lumberjack and army veteran who spent 40 years working the forests of Vermont. The brand emerged from Carr's 25-year experience in the wine industry, where he worked as a sommelier before founding his own label. He partnered with winemaker Wayne Donaldson, and together they established relationships with growers across California's wine regions.

At Seneca Wine & Liquor in New Hartford, NY, we carry John Cellar's full collection of wines, and today we're sharing some fascinating details about this popular brand.

Josh Cellars' Production Methods

Josh Cellars sources grapes from over 30 vineyards between Mendocino and Paso Robles. The soil composition in these vineyards ranges from volcanic rock to sandy loam. These soil types naturally limit vine vigor, which results in smaller berries with concentrated flavors. Each growing region adds specific characteristics - Mendocino gives bright acidity, while Paso Robles brings ripe fruit flavors and structure.

The night harvest keeps the grapes cool and preserves their natural acidity. After harvest, the winery uses optical sorting machines to remove any damaged berries. The fermentation happens in temperature-controlled steel tanks, followed by aging in both French and American oak. The cooper selection varies - for example, the Cabernet Sauvignon ages in tight-grain French oak for structure, while the Chardonnay uses Minnesota oak for vanilla notes.

Josh Cabernet Sauvignon: Flagship Wine Profile

The Cabernet Sauvignon comes primarily from Paso Robles and North Coast vineyards. Fermentation runs at 85-88°F - this specific temperature range extracts color and tannins while preventing harsh astringency. The wine ages for 10 months in oak barrels. The barrel mix is 35% new oak, with the remainder being 2-3 year old barrels.

The 2022 vintage has aromas of black cherries and roasted coffee. The flavor profile includes blackberry and dark chocolate, with a noticeable hazelnut note from the oak aging. Technical specifications show 13.9% alcohol content and 3.65 pH. The wine spends 21-28 days on its skins during fermentation. This longer contact time builds the wine's structure and adds complexity.

The final blend typically includes 8-12% of Petit Verdot and Merlot. These varieties enhance the mouthfeel and add aromatic complexity. Each grape variety ferments separately in its own tank. The winemaking team tastes through each lot before making the final blend.

The wine pairs well with specific dishes. A grilled ribeye brings out the wine's fruit notes. Wild mushroom risotto complements the earthy undertones. The wine matches particularly well with aged cheeses - try it with 2-year aged cheddar or Spanish manchego. The fruit character also works with dark chocolate, especially when paired with blackberry or cherry desserts.

The vineyards for this Cabernet sit in areas with significant day-to-night temperature swings. These temperature changes develop the grapes' flavor compounds and maintain their acidity. The vineyard teams use cover crops between rows to improve soil health. They also implement integrated pest management, using beneficial insects to control harmful pests naturally.

Buy Josh Cellars Wines at Seneca Wine

Josh Cellars Seaswept Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio

Tasting notes:

This refreshing white blend offers the crisp, citrusy notes of Sauvignon Blanc alongside the ripe stone fruit flavors of Pinot Grigio. It's a versatile wine that pairs well with seafood, salads, or light pasta dishes. You can also try it in a summery spritz. Just combine 4 oz of the Seaswept with 2 oz of soda water and a slice of lemon for a bubbly, low-ABV cocktail.

Josh Cellars Chardonnay

Tasting notes:

The Josh Cellars Chardonnay is a beautifully balanced white that showcases the brand's commitment to quality. With its hints of toasted oak, apple, and lemon curd, this Chardonnay makes a fantastic pairing for roasted chicken, creamy pastas, or a cheese plate.

Josh Cellars Rosé

Tasting notes:

For a refreshing summertime sip, go for a Josh Cellars Rosé. Crafted from Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes, this dry, pale pink wine offers vibrant flavors of watermelon, strawberry, and citrus. It's an excellent accompaniment to grilled seafood, salads, or light appetizers.

Josh Cellars Legacy Red Blend

Tasting notes:

You'll taste lots of ripe blackberry and dark chocolate flavors, with hints of coffee and warm spices. At 14.1% alcohol, it packs enough punch to stand up to hearty winter meals like braised short ribs or grilled lamb. It's also perfect for sipping on its own during cozy evening gatherings.

The Complete Range of Josh Wines

Josh Chardonnay

The grapes for this Chardonnay come from the Monterey coast, where morning fog regularly rolls in. These foggy mornings and cool afternoon breezes extend the growing season by an extra 2-3 weeks, allowing the grapes to develop more flavor while preserving their natural acidity.

The winemaking team splits the harvest into two batches. About 70% of the juice goes into stainless steel tanks at a cool 55°F to keep the fresh fruit flavors bright and clean. The rest goes into French oak barrels at slightly warmer temperatures, where it picks up those toasted almond notes everyone loves in a good Chardonnay. After fermentation, they allow 65% of the wine to go through a secondary fermentation to soften the acidity. The final blend spends 8 months aging, with a quarter of it in new French oak.

Open a bottle, and you'll immediately catch the aroma of yellow apple, followed by fresh pear. Take a sip, and flavors of lemon curd and vanilla bean will follow. The partial oak aging adds a hint of toast and butterscotch without overpowering the fruit. The wine has a satisfying, balanced texture.

You can pair this Chardonnay with a simple roasted chicken, especially with herb butter under the skin. Its acidity cuts beautifully through creamy pasta sauces. For a cheese plate, try it with brie or fresh mozzarella---they complement the wine well.

Josh Cellars Sauvignon Blanc

Josh sources their Sauvignon Blanc grapes from Lake County, at about 1,500 feet elevation. The altitude makes a difference here. The strong daytime sun intensifies the citrus flavors in the grapes, while the cool nights lock in all that natural acidity. In 2022, the team had to start the harvest about two weeks early because of a warm growing season.

Before pressing, they let the grapes soak in their own juice for 12 hours. This extra time draws out more of the aromatic compounds that make Sauvignon Blanc so unique. They then ferment the juice slowly at 52°F for about three weeks to keep all those delicate aromatics intact.

When you first smell this wine, grapefruit and lime zest will jump right out of the glass. Take a sip, and you'll find those same bright citrus flavors, along with hints of gooseberry and fresh herbs. The finish reveals an intriguing mineral note, a reflection of Lake County's volcanic soils.

Josh Pinot Noir

Moving to the red side of the portfolio, the Josh Pinot Noir draws its grapes from the cool-climate vineyards of California's Central Coast region. After gentle destemming and a brief cold soak, the grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the delicate fruit character of the Pinot Noir. The wine then spends 9 months aging in a combination of new and used French oak barrels, which adds subtle complexity without overpowering the varietal.

On the nose, you'll find enticing aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and a hint of earthy complexity. The palate is defined by silky tannins and bright acidity, with flavors that evoke red fruits and a touch of savory spice. This Pinot Noir walks the line between richness and elegance, making it a fantastic pairing for grilled salmon, roasted pork tenderloin, or dishes featuring wild mushrooms.

Josh Legacy Red Blend

Blending together Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and other classic Bordeaux varietals, the Josh Legacy Red Blend shows the winemaker's artful approach to assemblage. Each grape component is fermented and aged separately before the final cuvée is carefully crafted.

The result is a full-bodied red with a captivating nose of blackberry, espresso, and warm baking spices. On the palate, smooth, integrated tannins provide structure, while a long, velvety finish lingers pleasantly. At 14.1% ABV, this blend is an excellent companion to hearty dishes like braised short ribs, grilled lamb, or rich, dark chocolate desserts.

Josh Rosé

For their rosé offering, Josh Cellars sources Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault grapes from vineyards in California's bountiful Central Coast region. The juice is gently pressed off the skins after a brief maceration, resulting in a pale salmon hue and delicate aromas. Fermentation takes place entirely in stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine's vibrant, fresh character.

On the palate, the Josh Rosé offers notes of watermelon, strawberry, and citrus, with a crisp, dry finish that cleanses the palate. At 12.5% ABV, this is a versatile rosé that can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing summertime sipper or paired with a variety of foods, from salads and grilled seafood to light appetizers.

Josh Prosecco

Inspired by winemaker Joseph Carr's time spent in Italy, the Josh Cellars Prosecco celebrates the renowned sparkling wine of the Veneto region. Made in the traditional Charmat method, the Prosecco undergoes its secondary fermentation in stainless steel tanks, which preserves the wine's delicate fruit flavors and lively effervescence.

Available in both brut and rosé styles, the Josh Prosecco offers aromas and flavors of green apple, citrus, and white flowers, with a light, elegant mousse. At 11% ABV, this bubbly is a refreshing and versatile option, perfect for enjoying on its own or as the base for celebratory cocktails.

3 Surprising Things to Know About Josh Cellars

Joseph Carr Had Another Wine Label First

Before creating Josh Cellars, Joseph Carr was already an experienced winemaker. In 2002, he launched his own label called Joseph Carr Wines, inspired by the elegant styles of Bordeaux and Burgundy. This was 5 years before the first Josh Cellars wine hit the market. So while Josh Cellars is now Carr's main focus, he actually got his start with his own name on the label.

Carr Sold the First Josh Wines Out of His Truck

When the very first Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon was ready in 2007, Carr faced a challenge - he didn't have a winery, tasting room, or traditional sales channels. So what did he do? He started selling the wine straight out of the back of his truck! Amazingly, this grassroots approach was a big hit, and over the next 15 years, Josh Cellars grew from 1,200 cases to an impressive 4 million cases per year.

Josh Cellars Gives Back to the Community

At the core of the Josh Cellars brand is a commitment to supporting important causes. A portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold goes to organizations that help veterans, firefighters, restaurant workers, and more. For example, $1 from each bottle of the Josh Cellars Reserve Cabernet is donated to fire departments and first responders. These efforts were recently recognized when founder Joseph Carr was honored by Massachusetts Governor Healey for his philanthropic contributions, particularly his support of The Cape Playhouse and the local Cape Cod community. In total, the brand has donated over $1.5 million to these worthy initiatives over the years.

Shop John Cellars at Seneca Wine & Liquor Today

From its humble beginnings to becoming America's favorite wine meme, Josh Cellars shows that quality and accessibility can go hand in hand. Their commitment to giving back to the community while maintaining consistent quality has earned them a special place in wine lovers' hearts.

Visit us at Seneca Wine & Liquor at 8630 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford, NY, to explore our selection of Josh Cellars wines. Our knowledgeable staff is always ready to help you find the perfect bottle for any occasion. Can't make it to the store? Shop online at www.shopsenecawine.com or give us a call at 315-724-8672 to place your order.