2019 Acumen Mountainside Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Acumen: Keenness, depth of perception, and discernment. The ability to make good judgments and decisions.

Founded by the visionary proprietor Eric Yuan and guided by a team that includes legendary Winemaker Phillip Titus and renowned Viticulturist Michael Wolf, Acumen is dedicated to creating the next great Napa Valley wine estate. 

Winemaker Phillip Titus, known for his 30-year tenure at Chappellet Vineyard on Pritchard Hill, is a renowned Napa Valley icon. His passion for wine was born early in life, growing up in Napa Valley and working alongside his family in their vineyard. After studying viticulture and enology at UC Davis, Phillip honed his skills in wineries both in California and abroad, ultimately becoming a master of his craft.

With 84 acres of vines nestled in the heart of Napa Valley’s Atlas Peak, Acumen focuses on crafting exceptional mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Sauvignon Blanc. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of Napa Valley Cabernets in the 1960s and 1970s, Acumen's wines are celebrated for their balance, vineyard-driven complexity, and uncommon age-worthiness.

In 2012, entrepreneur Eric Yuan embarked on a quest to establish an estate vineyard capable of producing wines of classic balance, beauty, and structure. With the guidance of renowned founding Winemaker Denis Malbec and the discovery of Atlas Peak's unique terroir, Acumen found its home high on the slopes where temperatures are cooler, and volcanic soils add depth to the grapes.

Denis was a highly respected winemaker in Napa who’s expertise include Château Latour, Château Loudenne, Newton Vineyard, Blankiet Estate, and more.

This estate has quickly become a favorite among top critics and magazines. Fobes said, “The newest spotlight on Atlas Peak comes from Acumen Napa Valley, launched in 2012 by Eric Yuan and an impressive team, headed by now-late (and sorely missed) Denis Malbec.”

2019 was a fabulous year for Napa Valley Cabernet. Wine Spectator awarded this year a 97-point score, and Vinous Media gave it 96 points saying that "The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernets have turned out beautifully. 2019 is a very high-quality vintage of Cabernets that will be easy to drink and enjoy with minimal cellaring. The extra kick of late heat softened the tannins, making the wines a pleasure to taste and drink."

Aging: in 80% New French Oak

Tasting Notes: 

77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. From its inviting cherry and black currant aromas to its hints of vanilla, sage, and clove, this wine displays lovely French oak-inspired layers of sweetness and spice. The lush, dark berry layers echo on the beautifully balanced palate, where elegant, fine-grained tannins and an energetic beam of acidity frame the generous fruit flavors while carrying the wine to a long fruit and spice finish.