Josh Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel Review (2022)

By Richard Thomas

Rating: C+

Whiskey barrel aged wines are now very much a thing, so much like beer, the absence of a whiskey barrel aged wine poses the question of why they have not delved into the practice. You know a thing is a fixture when its not being there is sometimes more interesting, at least as a consumer question.

The barrel aged Zinfandel joins their barrel aged Cabernet Sauvignon, making it the second and latest of Josh Cellars whiskey barrel aged wares. The wine spent just two months in old bourbon barrels before bottling at 14.5% ABV. This is the same as the other barrel aged Josh wine, but the impact was not as substantial.

The Wine
Unlike their barrel aged Cabernet Sauvignon, the nose on this Zinfandel is rather unaffected, at least compared to my general expectations for the varietal. I have no experience with Josh Zinfandel to compare it to directly, but at its simplest, the nose is red wine.

On the flavor profile, I think the bourbon barrel aging pulled the wine towards a sweeter direction, but without making an overt influence. The flavor is blackberry and licorice driven, but without the peppery character the varietal is known for, and just a hint of vanilla.

It’s a nice wine, but not one where the barrel aging has put a particularly noteworthy twist on it.

The Price
Josh lists this bottle themselves for $23, but many online retailers have it marked at $20.