Josh Cellars Wine Line Up
When a vineyard is in harmony with climate and geology, wines of great depth and character are possible. Add in a family owned company dedicated to making world class, handcrafted wines. Throw in a vision to use small growers, coopers and winemakers producing elegant, sophisticated, yet approachable wines from Napa Valley, Carneros, and the North Coast of California from sites organically and sustainably farmed. Mix it all together with an affordable price point and you have a line of true “sweet spot” wines, known as Josh Cellars.
Founder Joseph Carr was an award winning Sommelier and international wine industry executive who set out on his own in 2005 and founded Joseph Carr Winery in Carneros, California. Joseph then worked with Tom Larson to produce his second label, known as “Josh Cellars” which is the focus of this article and today’s Council wine reviews.
Ocassional Wine Council pairings
The wines are produced using traditional French winemaking techniques and are both approachable and affordable, with prices ranging from around $9.00-$15.00 per bottle. This second label effort is also an opportunity for the owners to give back. Have to admit, when I am purchasing wine or recommending them I appreciate quality wines that do more than give me a great sip.
Josh Cellars is that kind of producer; one who creates premium wines and contributes to a worthy cause. Last Christmas they partnered with Operation Homefront. For every bottle sold between November 1 and December 31, 2013, Josh Cellars donated $1.00 per bottle up to $50,000 in support of military members and their families. According the Joseph Carr, “Operation Homefront has helped more than 590,000 families, many who need basic necessities such as food, infant supplies or with paying rent or utilities, comforts many of us take for granted. These donations make a real difference to a family in need.”
Creative food and wine pairings
Join me as the Occasional Wine Council of Temecula Valley reviews some great wines from the Josh Cellars line with some creative food pairings. This review group was made up of wine writers Karsten Boone, Linda Kissam, Todd & Sue Montgomery and Robin Dohrn-Simpson.
2012 Sav Blanc & Fondue
1. Sauvignon Blanc 2012, $13.99. Paired by member Sue Montgomery with Cheese fondue made with Gruyere and Swiss, brandy, white wine, lemon juice, dry mustard, nutmeg: One of my favorites of the evening, this wine came in second place in the reviews. It’s aromas of lime and citrus layered with peach and tropical melon was a hit. The mineral notes on the tongue played well with Sue’s pairing helping to cut the rich buttery dish. Not too sweet. Perfect for many types of foods. You can see Sue’s take on these fine wines here .
2012 Chardonnay & Bread Pudding
2. Chardonnay 2012, $13.99. Paired nicely with my contribution of bread pudding and decadent chocolate chip brownies procured from Sweet Jill’s in Seal Beach, CA: Light aromas of tropical fruits and citrus mixed well with not too pushy oak notes. Light but fresh yellow and white stone fruits linger on the palate and finish with clean acidity.
3. Pinot Noir 2012, $16.99 – Karsten Boone paired this wine with cucumber bites stuffed with quinoa & Greek Tzatziki, with smoked salmon: Light in color, the cherry mixed well with oak notes and medium body, but just didn’t live up to its potential. Would be good to introduce new red wine drinkers to the category. Pairs well with salmon and turkey.
Todd’s Kilebasa baked in red wine with orange zest
4. Merlot 2011, $14.99 –Todd Montgomery guessed right by pairing his Kielbasa baked in red wine with orange zest with the Merlot: This wine with plum and cherry notes was medium-bodied and able to stand up to heartier dishes. On the palate, the wine is layered with fresh cherries, plums, and mocha, and some nice staying power with a long, raspberry and cocoa powder finish. This wine came in a clear third in the reviews.
2012 Cabernet
5. Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Robin Dohrn-Simpson brought her meatloaf a la husband’s Marc-style: $14.99: Dark cherry, Plum, vanilla, notes made this North Coast, CA beauty a big winner with the group. Its number one spot was earned with aromas of ripe black currant and smoky overtones. Its approachable structure with a balanced and long finish along with price point reaches star power. Buy it!
Article by Linda Kissam
Wines for review provided by Joseph Carr Wines
www.josephcarrwine.com
