Cellar #8 Cabernet Sauvignon

Cellar #8 Cabernet Sauvignon is a multi-appellation California North Coast Cabernet blend, bottled at 750ml with an ABV typically between 12.5% and 13.8% depending on vintage. The 2010 vintage earned a Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and the label has drawn consistent critical attention for delivering oak-aged complexity at an accessible price point.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5%–13.8% (varies by vintage)  |  Origin: North Coast, California  |  Blend: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah, 4% Cabernet Franc  |  Producer: Asti Winery

Production & Heritage

Cellar #8 is produced by Asti Winery, drawing fruit from a multi-regional sourcing strategy that pulls grapes from Paso Robles, Knights Valley, and Lake County across California's North Coast appellation — encompassing parts of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties. The wine undergoes 100 percent oak barrel aging for 13 months in a combination of American and French oak, which contributes layered spice and structure. The blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon with 8% Petite Sirah and 4% Cabernet Franc adds depth and color that pure varietal bottlings at this tier rarely achieve.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich chocolate and baking spice greet the nose first, followed by deeper layers of cinnamon, black licorice, and roasted coffee. There is a subtle oak backdrop that ties the aromatics together without overwhelming the fruit.

Taste: The entry is round and silky, led by ripe black cherry and currant. Mid-palate, flavors of blackberry and plum emerge alongside coffee-inflected oak tones. Spicy tannins spread across the palate with a slightly tingly grip, giving the wine noticeable structure despite its smooth overall character.

Finish: The finish runs long and dry, with firm tannins carrying traces of dark fruit and roasted coffee. A faint bittersweet chocolate note lingers as the tannins slowly resolve.

How to Drink Cellar #8

Serve at 60–65°F, slightly below room temperature, to let the oak and dark fruit integrate without the alcohol becoming prominent. A few minutes of breathing in the glass opens up the spice and chocolate notes considerably. In cocktails, the wine's tannic backbone and dark fruit profile work well in a Kalimotxo — the cola softens the tannins while the coffee notes amplify; a New York Sour, where the blackberry and cherry float beautifully over a whiskey base; and a classic Red Wine Sangria, where the cinnamon and licorice aromatics complement citrus and brandy.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want genuine oak-aged Cabernet without opening an expensive bottle
• Bringing to a casual dinner party as a reliable, crowd-pleasing red
• Introducing newer wine drinkers to North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon
• Building a house-wine rotation alongside other value-driven California reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cellar #8 taste like? Cellar #8 leads with ripe black cherry, blackberry, and currant, supported by roasted coffee and chocolate undertones from 13 months of oak barrel aging. Spicy, silky tannins carry the flavors through a long, dry finish.

How does Cellar #8 compare to Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are value-tier California Cabernets, but Cellar #8 incorporates 8% Petite Sirah and 4% Cabernet Franc into its blend, which tends to give it darker color and more tannic grip than Josh Cellars' softer, fruit-forward profile. Josh Cellars sources primarily from the North Coast as well, though Cellar #8's inclusion of Paso Robles and Knights Valley fruit adds a broader geographic range to the blend.

Is Cellar #8 good for beginners? Yes — the wine's silky mouthfeel and approachable dark fruit make it an accessible starting point for exploring Cabernet Sauvignon, while the oak aging and tannic structure give more experienced drinkers something to appreciate.

Where is Cellar #8 made? Cellar #8 is produced by Asti Winery in California, using grapes sourced from the North Coast appellation, including fruit from Paso Robles, Knights Valley, and Lake County.

What foods pair well with Cellar #8? Grilled ribeye steak mirrors the wine's firm tannins and smoky oak. Braised short ribs complement the dark fruit and coffee notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda highlights the chocolate and spice. Lamb chops with rosemary echo the herbal, savory undertones. Dark chocolate desserts amplify the bittersweet finish.

What sizes does Cellar #8 come in? Cellar #8 Cabernet Sauvignon is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Cellar #8 worth the price? Cellar #8 positions as an entry-level Cabernet Sauvignon that punches above its weight thanks to 100% oak barrel aging and a thoughtful three-grape blend — features typically found in bottles costing significantly more within the California Cabernet category.

Why Cellar #8?

What separates Cellar #8 from much of its competitive set is the commitment to full oak barrel aging at a price point where many producers rely on oak chips or stave alternatives. The 88/8/4 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Franc creates a wine with more textural complexity and color density than a straight varietal bottling typically delivers at this tier. A Gold medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and an 87-point score from Wine Enthusiast confirm that critics have taken notice. For anyone seeking a daily-drinking California Cabernet with genuine structure and barrel-influenced depth, Cellar #8 remains one of the more compelling options on the shelf.