Cellar #8 Merlot is a California Merlot produced at the historic Asti Winery in Sonoma County, bottled at 13.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2008 vintage earned Silver medals at both the San Francisco International Wine Competition and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, establishing this label as a consistent performer among value-tier California reds.Quick Facts: ABV: 13.8% | Origin: Sonoma County, California | Varietal: Merlot | Winery: Asti Winery, Alexander ValleyProduction & HeritageCellar #8 takes its name from the old Italian Swiss Colony building in Alexander Valley where the wine is made. The facility traces its roots to Italian immigrants who formed an entire community around winemaking in Sonoma County, applying time-honored viticultural methods passed down through generations. Temperature-controlled fermentation—a technique pioneered at the original Italian Swiss Colony facility—remains central to the production process, helping preserve fruit character and manage tannin extraction in the finished wine.Tasting NotesAroma: Rich aromas of ripe red berry fruit and Bing cherry lead the nose, followed by dried herbs and a subtle peppery quality. A faint toasty oak note rounds out the bouquet.Taste: The entry is fruit-forward with red cherry and plum, quickly joined by cola, clove, and baking spice across the mid-palate. Blackberry and coffee flavors emerge as the wine opens, layered beneath a good overlay of smoky oak that adds depth without overwhelming the fruit.Finish: Medium in length with a peppery close and smooth, polished tannins. The smoky oak and dark fruit linger quietly, leaving a dry and balanced impression.How to Drink Cellar #8 MerlotThis Merlot drinks well at a slight chill—around 60–65°F—which keeps the fruit vibrant without muting the spice and oak. Decanting for 20–30 minutes can help soften tannins on younger vintages. Wine Spritzer: The plum and cherry fruit holds up with a splash of sparkling water and a citrus twist for a lighter warm-weather serve. Kalimotxo: The smoky oak backbone and dark berry notes pair naturally with cola in this straightforward Spanish classic. Sangria: The spice and blackberry character make it a strong base for red sangria with sliced stone fruit and cinnamon. Best For Everyday dinner pairings with red-sauce pastas or grilled meats Introducing a Merlot-curious drinker to California red wine Casual gatherings where an approachable, crowd-friendly red is needed Building a weeknight house-wine rotation without sacrificing quality Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Cellar #8 Merlot taste like? Cellar #8 Merlot is fruit-driven with prominent red cherry, plum, and blackberry flavors, accented by cola, clove, and smoky oak. Smooth tannins and a peppery finish give it an approachable, medium-bodied profile.How does Cellar #8 Merlot compare to Bogle Merlot? Both are widely available California Merlots at a similar value tier, though Cellar #8 leans toward spice and smoky oak from its Alexander Valley heritage, while Bogle draws from Clarksburg fruit with a slightly softer, more overtly fruity profile. Cellar #8's Silver medals from the San Francisco International Wine Competition give it verified competitive recognition.Is Cellar #8 Merlot good for beginners? Yes—its smooth tannins, forward fruit, and moderate 13.8% ABV make it a welcoming entry point for drinkers exploring California Merlot. The balanced oak and spice add interest without overwhelming a developing palate.Where is Cellar #8 Merlot made? Cellar #8 Merlot is produced at the Asti Winery in Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California. The winery operates out of the historic Italian Swiss Colony building, a facility with deep roots in the region's immigrant winemaking tradition.What foods pair well with Cellar #8 Merlot? Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's smoky oak and pepper; mushroom risotto echoes its earthy, savory notes; tomato-based pastas like bolognese match the cherry and plum fruit; aged cheddar plays off the spice and tannin structure; and roasted beets complement the wine's darker berry character.What sizes does Cellar #8 Merlot come in? Cellar #8 Merlot is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.Is Cellar #8 Merlot worth the price? Cellar #8 positions as a value-tier California Merlot, and its Silver medal credentials from recognized competitions validate the quality relative to its accessible price point. For an everyday red with legitimate Sonoma County heritage, it delivers well above its weight class.Why Cellar #8 Merlot?What separates Cellar #8 from the crowded field of California Merlot is its specific origin story: the wine is literally made inside the old Italian Swiss Colony cellar in Alexander Valley, a building that helped shape Sonoma County's winemaking identity. That heritage translates into a wine with genuine regional character—smoky oak, dried herb, and dark fruit that reflect the warm Alexander Valley climate. Silver medals from both the San Francisco International Wine Competition and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition confirm that this is not simply a nostalgia play; the wine performs at a level that merits critical attention. For drinkers who want a California Merlot with real provenance at a value price, Cellar #8 is a credible and rewarding choice.
