The Best-Selling Josh Cellars Wine Is A Classic Red From The Brand's 2007 Launch

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No matter the store — be it a neighborhood bodega, a specialty wine shop, or a supermarket chain — you'll likely spot a Josh Cellars label. The California wines are sourced primarily from the Paso Robles and North Coast regions, and they're some of the most popular in the country, with upwards of 7 million cases sold every year. There are so many varietals and collections on offer, but the best-seller continues to be the classic red that gave the brand its start: the cabernet sauvignon.

Josh Cellars is the brainchild of Joseph Carr, a native New Yorker who grew to love the wine industry through working in restaurants. In 2007, Carr decided to chase his dream. To honor his father, Joseph "Josh" Carr, he sought out the help of some experts in California to craft an affordable, European-style wine brand that would appeal to everyday consumers. After cashing in his 401(k) and remortgaging his home, he officially launched the first Josh Cellars cabernet sauvignon. 

At the time, it was priced at $15 a bottle, and Carr drove around trying to sell all 1,200 bottles himself. Though many iterations have been developed since, all Josh Cellars wines continue to follow the standard set by the original: balanced, juicy, and easy to drink.

The Josh Cellars cabernet sauvignon is a full-bodied red with notes of blackberry, cinnamon, and toasted nuts. The wine is oak-aged, so expect subtle earthy aromas along with hints of vanilla. It's plump and smooth on the palate, with rounded tannins that create structure but leave a gentle finish. The formula seems to work — the classically Californian wine is the best-selling cabernet sauvignon in the country.

People have different opinions about Josh Cellars, but the cabernet sauvignon is usually praised as being a polished, consistent product by experts and at-home drinkers alike. Walmart customers have called it a "fantastic" and "top quality" wine for an affordable price. In a review, one person said, "Was pleasantly surprised by this wine. Full bodied and flavorful, with very mild tannins and acidity. Not your typical complex Cab Sav, would be good for social gatherings and dinner parties."

The wine pairs well with rich meats, like beef, pork, and lamb, as well as chocolate desserts. The toasted oak particularly complements a smoky charred steak, while the fruity flavors work with sweet marinades and glazes, like the one used for soda-marinated pork chops. You can also use it to make red-wine braised short ribs or serve it alongside a garlic mushroom risotto or chocolate lava cake. For less than $20, it's worth seeing what all the hype is about.