2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
Gold Medal, 2024 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge
Tasting Notes
Napa Valley’s smallest and most iconic sub-appellation, the Stags Leap District, stretches along the Silverado Trail and is steeped in the legend of a fearless stag that escaped pursuit by leaping onto the rugged cliffs of the Vaca Mountains. From this storied land comes our 2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon—an expressive wine shaped by the district’s rare combination of iron-rich volcanic soils on the eastern slopes and gravelly alluvial soils on the western benchlands. A touch of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec elevates the wine’s concentrated dark fruit, enhancing its vibrancy, plush texture, and lingering finish marked by lively acidity.
Winemaking
Handpicked in late October, the fruit was meticulously sorted and de-stemmed into small fermentation bins, where it underwent a 3-day cold soak to intensify color and enhance flavor. Fermentation lasted 16 days with three punch-downs per day, followed by an additional 3 days of extended maceration to maximize color and phenolic extraction. After gentle pressing, the wine was aged on fine lees for 30 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 40% new oak used to preserve the wine’s delicate aromatics and polished mouthfeel.
Elegant and beautifully colored, the 2021 Kukeri Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits aromas of wild berries, cassis, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich and concentrated flavors of wild blackberry, dark cherry, ripe plum, fresh mountain herbs, and savory spices are in perfect harmony with the rich, velvety texture, firm tannins, well-integrated structure, and a long and persistent finish with great lingering acidity, which makes this Cabernet Sauvignon a perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat dishes.
2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley
97 Points, Double-Gold Medal Winner, 2024 Sunset International Wine Competition Gold Medal, 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Tasting Notes
The Oakville region is renowned for producing some of Napa Valley’s most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignons and is often considered the “heart and soul” of the valley, where up-valley warmth meets the cooling influence of the southern appellations. Our 2021 Kukeri Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a small vineyard on Money Road, in the center of this iconic appellation. A touch of Petit Verdot and Merlot complements the wine’s rich dark fruit, adding vibrancy, balance, and depth to its lush mouthfeel, long lingering finish, and bright acidity.
Winemaking
The grapes were handpicked in mid-November, then de-stemmed and crushed into small fermentation bins for a 3-day cold soak to stabilize color and enhance flavor. Fermentation lasted 17 days with three punch-downs per day, followed by an additional 3 days of extended maceration to increase color and phenolic extraction. The wine was then gently pressed and matured on fine lees for 28 months in a mix of 90% French and 10% American oak barrels, including 40% new French oak to preserve the wine’s delicate notes and refined mouthfeel.
Elegant and beautifully colored, the 2021 Kukeri Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of wild berries, cassis, and subtle cigar box. The palate reveals rich, concentrated flavors of wild blackberry, dark cherry, ripe plum, fresh mountain herbs, and savory spice. These vibrant layers are perfectly balanced by a velvety texture, firm yet polished tannins, and a well-integrated structure. The finish is long and persistent, carried by bright, lingering acidity. This Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent companion to grilled meats and hearty dishes.
Specs
Varietal: 96.2% Cabernet Sauvignon; 2.1 % Petit Verdot; 1.7 Merlot
Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley
Cooperage: 90% French Oak with 10% American Oak / 40% New Oak
pH: 3.65
Alcohol: 14.9%
Production: 110 cases
2020 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Rising 1,400 feet above the valley, our Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon originates from a small, rugged vineyard that sits just beyond the reach of Napa’s signature fog. Cooler, wind-swept days paired with warmer nights create a unique microclimate where grapes achieve exceptional ripeness and intensity—often ahead of the valley floor. To refine the wine’s commanding mountain tannins and deepen its complexity, we blend in small portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The result is a Cabernet of concentrated dark fruit, vibrant energy, lush texture, and a long, resonant finish supported by bright acidity.
Winemaking
The grapes were handpicked at the beginning of October, then sorted and de-stemmed into small fermentation bins for a 3-day cold soak to stabilize color and enhance flavor. Fermentation lasted 18 days with three punch-downs daily, followed by an additional 2 days of extended maceration to increase color and phenolic extraction. Gently pressed and aged on fine lees for 26 months in 100% French oak—40% new—this Cabernet developed elegance, depth, and a supple texture. Only five barrels were produced.
Bold and powerful, the 2020 Kukeri Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon reveals captivating aromas of black cherry, plum, wild blueberry, dark chocolate, and exotic spice. Layers of forest floor and French vanilla bean add mountain-driven complexity and sophistication. Balanced acidity and well-integrated oak support the wine’s rich, full-bodied yet elegant profile, making it a perfect companion to grilled meats and seasonal vegetables. This wine is an excellent candidate for cellaring and will continue to mature gracefully over the next 10 years.
Specs
Varietal: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon; 10% Merlot; 3% Petit Verdot; 1% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Cooperage: 100% French oak / 40% New Oak
pH: 3.65
Alcohol: 15%
Production: 100 cases
2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
The 2021 Kukeri Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a small family-owned vineyard perched at 1,500 feet on the eastern slopes of Atlas Peak. The shallow, rocky soils and high-elevation exposure naturally stress the vines, producing smaller berries with intense flavor. A hint of Petit Verdot sharpens the wine’s dark fruit and amplifies the finish, while Clone 337 Cabernet provides depth, richness, and vibrant acidity that lingers long after the last sip.
Winemaking
The grapes were handpicked in early October, then de-stemmed and crushed into small fermentation bins for a 3-day cold soak to stabilize color and enhance flavor. Fermentation lasted 18 days with three punch-downs per day, followed by an additional 3 days of extended maceration to maximize color and phenolic extraction. The wine was gently pressed and aged on fine lees for 15 months in a mix of 67% French and 33% American oak barrels, including 40% new French oak to maintain purity and texture. Only three barrels were produced.
Big and intense, the 2021 Kukeri Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of dark cherries, ripe plums, wild strawberries, dark chocolate, and a touch of vanilla. Subtle notes of wild forest herbs and French vanilla bean add depth and complexity. Balanced acidity and well-integrated oak support the wine’s rich, full-bodied profile, leading to a long, satisfying, and lingering finish. This mountain-grown Cabernet is an ideal companion to grilled meats and seasonal vegetables.
Specs
Varietal: 96.7% Cabernet Sauvignon; 3.3% Petit Verdot
Appellation: Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
Cooperage: 67% French and 33% American oak / 40% New Oak
pH: 3.67
Alcohol: 14.44%
Production: 75 cases
What’s Included
4-bottles:
1x 2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
1x 2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley
1x 2020 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
1x 2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley Case:
3x 2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
3x 2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
3x 2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley
3x 2020 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Price Comparison
Not all wines for sale on winery website, $1,062/case MSRP
Petar Kirilov, founder and winemaker of Kukeri Wines, grew up in Bulgaria and graduated from the prestigious University of Food Technologies with a master’s degree in winemaking. He has worked at Truchard Vineyards, Meadowcroft Wines, and Foyt Wines as a winemaker and created Kukeri Wines to focus on the production of small-lot quality wines from single vineyards.
Kukeri Wines source grapes from some of the most unusual vineyards in Napa Valley and Sonoma County. “We treat that fruit as gently as possible, producing small lots of quality wines that display the complexity, power, finesse, and specific terroir of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in Mount Veeder, and Pinot Noir from Petaluma Gap, Los Carneros, and Russian River Valley.”
Kukeri refers to a pagan Bulgarian ritual that may date back as far as 8,000 years to the ancient Thracians – and to Dionysus, the god associated with wine, fertility, and rebirth. The festival is replete with mystical symbolism, steeped as it is in a tradition representing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
Hey all, Lab rat reporting in with some notes for the 2020 Howell Mountain.
I figured this one would need a little time to open up, so I dusted off my decanter and poured most in after pouring myself a small 2 oz taste.
Lots of color extracted here, it’s a very dark red in the glass. On the nose I’m getting some spice and vanilla, and brambly dark fruit. Initially here it’s a bit closed, I’m getting those dark fruits but it’s a short finish but I think it’ll open up nicely.
After an hour decanting the acid is starting to show up more. Along with those dark fruits I’m getting some graphite and vanilla, and the finish is lingering for quite a bit longer.
Three hours in the decanter and the wine is really coming together. Dark fruits, stone…I’m getting some cocoa now as well. The tannins are very smooth, no single note is overpowering. I bought a fatty ribeye anticipating some big tannins, and although they paired nicely this wine doesn’t have the mouth drying tannins I was expecting from a high elevation cab.
This is a very well made wine. If you give it a couple hours to decant you’ll love it today, and it has the characteristics of a wine you could lay down for quite a while if that’s your thing.
Appreciate you sending me a bottle to try and continuing to make this a fun place to buy and discuss wine.
2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
Gold Medal, 2024 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Specs
-Varietal: 96.1% Cabernet Sauvignon; 1.3% Merlot; 1.3% Petit Verdot; 0.9 % Cabernet Franc; 0.4% Malbec
2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley
97 Points, Double-Gold Medal Winner, 2024 Sunset International Wine Competition
Gold Medal, 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Specs
2020 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Specs
2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
Tasting Notes
Winemaking
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not all wines for sale on winery website, $1,062/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Dec 22 - Tuesday, Dec 23
Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignons
4 bottles for $169.99 $42.50/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $419.99 $35/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District
2020 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
2020 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain
2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak
Hey all, Lab rat reporting in with some notes for the 2020 Howell Mountain.
I figured this one would need a little time to open up, so I dusted off my decanter and poured most in after pouring myself a small 2 oz taste.
Lots of color extracted here, it’s a very dark red in the glass. On the nose I’m getting some spice and vanilla, and brambly dark fruit. Initially here it’s a bit closed, I’m getting those dark fruits but it’s a short finish but I think it’ll open up nicely.
After an hour decanting the acid is starting to show up more. Along with those dark fruits I’m getting some graphite and vanilla, and the finish is lingering for quite a bit longer.
Three hours in the decanter and the wine is really coming together. Dark fruits, stone…I’m getting some cocoa now as well. The tannins are very smooth, no single note is overpowering. I bought a fatty ribeye anticipating some big tannins, and although they paired nicely this wine doesn’t have the mouth drying tannins I was expecting from a high elevation cab.
This is a very well made wine. If you give it a couple hours to decant you’ll love it today, and it has the characteristics of a wine you could lay down for quite a while if that’s your thing.
Appreciate you sending me a bottle to try and continuing to make this a fun place to buy and discuss wine.