Kukeri Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon // 2 Bottles

Kukeri Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2 Bottle Set

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.

Big and intense, the 2020 Kukeri Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits aromas of black cherries, plums, wild blueberries, and dark chocolate with a splash of spices. A hint of wild forest and French vanilla beans combined with balancing acidity and well-integrated oak, create this rich, full-bodied and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. It is the perfect accompaniment to any grilled meats and veggies.

The 2020 Kukeri Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a small vineyard situated at 1400 feet elevation, above the famous Napa Valley fog. Growing conditions are cooler and windier, although nighttime temperatures are warmer, and the grapes often ripen ahead of those on the valley floor. A touch of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are added to balance the rich dark fruit and massive tannins of the 2020 Kukeri Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, adding a vibrancy to its lush mouthfeel, long finish and lingering acidity.

This wine it is a superb candidate for cellaring and should mature well over the next 10 years.

— Varietal Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
— Appellation: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
— Barrel Regime: 26 months in 100% French barrels, with 40% new oak to preserve the delicate notes and mouthfeel
— Alcohol: 15.0%
Production: 100 cases