2018 Kukeri Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon; 1.9% Malbec; 1.5% Merlot, 1.1%Petite Verdot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2018
Appellation: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Alcohol: 14.72%
pH: 3.65
Production: 270 cases

Awards: Best of Class, Double Gold and 99points from 2021 Santé International Wine Competition

Introduction: The unique terroir of the Howell Mountain produces wines that are typically very powerful and intense in structure. The grapes for our signature 2018 Kukeri Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon comes from one of the highest-elevated vineyards in Napa Valley located on Howell Mountain with over 2000-foot elevation. The mountain’s well-drained and rocky volcanic soils and moderate climate is perfect for growing full-bodied and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon.  A touch of Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc balance the rich dark fruit and massive tannins of our 2018 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, adding a vibrancy to its lush mouthfeel and lingering dry finish and  balanced acidity.

Winemaking: The grapes were handpicked at the middle of October, sorted and crushed into small fermentation bins and allowed to cold soak for 3 days to help stabilize the color and enhance flavor. It was fermented for 17 days and punched down 3 times a day, additional 3 days extended maceration to increase extraction of color and phenolic compounds. Gently pressed and aged on fine lees for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels to preserve the delicate notes and mouth feel. This powerful Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon should mature well over the next 10 years. We are so lucky to get a little fruit in 2018 to make something special and rare. Only 9 barrels produced.

Tasting Notes: True to the Howell Mountain appellation, our 2018 Kukeri Cabernet Sauvignon exhibit dark concentrated fruit flavors of wild blueberries and black cherries and well-integrated fine-grained tannins with excellent mountain acidity. Big, bold, and ultra-ripe on the attack, packed with small black fruit preserves and boysenberries, doused with crème de cassis. A hint of mountain forest, cedar and rich vanilla French oak flavors also combine these aromatics to create this massively rich full-bodied mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.

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

Enjoy with family and friends!

Cheers!