Along with the Trinchero 2002 Cab Sauv, this Cab is a reigning champion in the under $20 class. It is, indeed, flatly superior to some pricier reds, such as the Steltzner 2000 Cab ($27), or the Rutherford Hill 1999 Cab (see report, above), if not as good as the Trinchero (which stands as best in class, for the moment).
Cellar No. 8 features moderate-low bitterness, more than a modicum of refinement, which, along with its well-endowed oak barrel aging,
catupult it well above its rivals.
It also lacks the repellent moldiness ("skunkiness") that afflicts so many wines, particularly in the sub $50 group.
The main weakness of this Cab is a moderate level of astringency that becomes more and more apparent as one nears the bottom of one's glass.