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
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.
I was so excited to see this wine when I opened the box (I got a bottle of the 2019 in a mystery case) and it was wonderful. I let it rest for about 3 days before opening and decanting for most of the day. It was delightful; layered, smooth and elegant. I’m not kidding when I say it’s my favorite ever. Very delicious. I did invite two friends to taste with me and I’m glad its going to be up for sale Monday or I would have had to ask them to leave so I could enjoy the rest by myself. They were both impressed-one said “a wine the demands an audience, shared with friends, it enlivens the taste buds and open the door for earnest conversation. Even a rainy evening could not dim the satisfaction”. I think she may have had help from AI but I will say-this is the best example of a great Cab! I was hoping for under $30 but today’s price is still a steal. Sorry about the Labrat logo-can I get help as usual? [yup]
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignons - $90 = 17.64%
There is only one wine from the 2020 vintage in this offering, and I can assure you there is no smoke character in the 2020 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. That’s exactly why I decided to bottle it.
I hope you have a chance to try it, and I would love to hear your thoughts!
Cheers
Petar
I was lucky enough to get to rat a bottle of the Atlas Mountain Cabernet. Fantastic wine, I gave it a 2 hour decant before dinner. Paired well with grilled ribeye and pork tenderloin. Cherries and dark fruit on the front with a cocoa/chocolate finish. Soft silky tannins gave it a great mouthfeel. Huge hit at the dinner party.
Hi All,
Thank you for sharing my wines again with the Casemates community! Each wine is unique in its own way, and I truly hope you enjoy them all.
P.S. I’m traveling today, returning from a short vacation, so it may be difficult for me to respond to detailed questions about the wines. I’ll do my best to catch up as soon as I can.
Thanks again for your support
Cheers
Petar @ Kukeri Wines
2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
I got caught in a snowstorm travelling back and am just getting back. Sorry for the late review.
This was one terrific bottle of wine.
When we first opened the wine there was barely any nose in fact there was what I would say was no nose.
However after about an hour in my glass, the nose started to come out. I didn’t taste it at first. But I tasted it once I started to get a nose of blackberry and cherry and dark berry.
This is a terrific wine that develops over time. Over the next three hours that we drank the wine, it developed into something very complex: nutmeg, red fruit, black fruit, blackberries, blueberry, and again nutmeg. Even three hours later I was tasting something new in it. I I think a little bit of cinnamon.
It’s very structured. I mean, not structured in that it’s overblown with tannins, but structured in that it is dry and focused but with the complexity coming through every sip lasting long and you can really pick out different flavors.
So, we had this with some spicy Haitian food. Haitian black mushroom rice (djondjon) which is just a treat in itself. We don’t get that all the time. Some pikliz to, you know, add some heat to it. And some Haitian chicken in sauce and and of course fried plantain.
The food was a treat for us. It’s not something we have all the time and it went well with this wine because, for me, the spiciness and the the dryness of the wine was a good match. It wasn’t a fatty meal there were a lot of carbs but I think the dryness of the wine fit right in with it and enhanced the flavors.
I thought this would be offered in the $35 to $45 range but it’s probably worth double that at retail so it really would be a terrific choice. My recommendation is to open it up and let it breathe for about an hour then decant it and then start enjoying it over the next 3 or 4 hours.
@lionel47 I bought the Kukeri 22 Cab for 27.99 on Vivino and a couple bottles via Underground Cellar’s Cabernet Confidential at $35/bottle! But with the UC buy I didn’t know what I was getting and I was thrilled to land. the Kukkeri is definitely worth the money because it’s the a big delicious Cab, that smooths out
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
2020 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, 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.
2020 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
I was so excited to see this wine when I opened the box (I got a bottle of the 2019 in a mystery case) and it was wonderful. I let it rest for about 3 days before opening and decanting for most of the day. It was delightful; layered, smooth and elegant. I’m not kidding when I say it’s my favorite ever. Very delicious. I did invite two friends to taste with me and I’m glad its going to be up for sale Monday or I would have had to ask them to leave so I could enjoy the rest by myself. They were both impressed-one said “a wine the demands an audience, shared with friends, it enlivens the taste buds and open the door for earnest conversation. Even a rainy evening could not dim the satisfaction”. I think she may have had help from AI but I will say-this is the best example of a great Cab! I was hoping for under $30 but today’s price is still a steal. Sorry about the Labrat logo-can I get help as usual? [yup]
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignons - $90 = 17.64%
Seeing a mix with two ‘20 wines makes me nervous… Howell Mountain particularly hard hit if I recall. Rattage certainly positive though
@kaolis I had potential smoke taint on my mind and didn’t detect anything, perhaps a rep will stop by to talk about the vintage.
@kaolis
There is only one wine from the 2020 vintage in this offering, and I can assure you there is no smoke character in the 2020 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. That’s exactly why I decided to bottle it.
I hope you have a chance to try it, and I would love to hear your thoughts!
Cheers
Petar
2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak
I was lucky enough to get to rat a bottle of the Atlas Mountain Cabernet. Fantastic wine, I gave it a 2 hour decant before dinner. Paired well with grilled ribeye and pork tenderloin. Cherries and dark fruit on the front with a cocoa/chocolate finish. Soft silky tannins gave it a great mouthfeel. Huge hit at the dinner party.
Hi All,
Thank you for sharing my wines again with the Casemates community! Each wine is unique in its own way, and I truly hope you enjoy them all.
P.S. I’m traveling today, returning from a short vacation, so it may be difficult for me to respond to detailed questions about the wines. I’ll do my best to catch up as soon as I can.
Thanks again for your support
Cheers
Petar @ Kukeri Wines
2021 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley
I got caught in a snowstorm travelling back and am just getting back. Sorry for the late review.
This was one terrific bottle of wine.
When we first opened the wine there was barely any nose in fact there was what I would say was no nose.
However after about an hour in my glass, the nose started to come out. I didn’t taste it at first. But I tasted it once I started to get a nose of blackberry and cherry and dark berry.
This is a terrific wine that develops over time. Over the next three hours that we drank the wine, it developed into something very complex: nutmeg, red fruit, black fruit, blackberries, blueberry, and again nutmeg. Even three hours later I was tasting something new in it. I I think a little bit of cinnamon.
It’s very structured. I mean, not structured in that it’s overblown with tannins, but structured in that it is dry and focused but with the complexity coming through every sip lasting long and you can really pick out different flavors.
So, we had this with some spicy Haitian food. Haitian black mushroom rice (djondjon) which is just a treat in itself. We don’t get that all the time. Some pikliz to, you know, add some heat to it. And some Haitian chicken in sauce and and of course fried plantain.
The food was a treat for us. It’s not something we have all the time and it went well with this wine because, for me, the spiciness and the the dryness of the wine was a good match. It wasn’t a fatty meal there were a lot of carbs but I think the dryness of the wine fit right in with it and enhanced the flavors.
I thought this would be offered in the $35 to $45 range but it’s probably worth double that at retail so it really would be a terrific choice. My recommendation is to open it up and let it breathe for about an hour then decant it and then start enjoying it over the next 3 or 4 hours.
Terrific wine; I really liked it.
@lionel47 Which one did you get?
@dianefreda I got the 2021. In my haste, I forgot to put up pics. Here they are.
@lionel47 I bought the Kukeri 22 Cab for 27.99 on Vivino and a couple bottles via Underground Cellar’s Cabernet Confidential at $35/bottle! But with the UC buy I didn’t know what I was getting and I was thrilled to land. the Kukkeri is definitely worth the money because it’s the a big delicious Cab, that smooths out
Anyone in the Denver metro area ordering and looking to get rid of a couple bottles?
/giphy [bountiful-rednosed-poinsettia]
Any SoCal (San Diego area) want a set of four?
I got a previous offering of this, it was fantastic.
I couldn’t resist.
/giphy cozy-naughty-holiday