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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 wines. 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. The vineyards are managed by Michael Wolf, who has helped transform the vineyards at Scarecrow, Meteor, and Vine Hill Ranch into world class sites.

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. Forbes 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.”

2021 is looking to be one of the vintages of the decade. Vinous Media blessed this year with a 95-98 point score, and said: "

Two thousand twenty-one is a fabulous vintage in Napa Valley. That’s the good news. The not so good news is that production is down sharply, 30-50% in many cases. The wines have tremendous energy as well as finesse."

95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot.

I have been waiting with bated breath for the 2021 releases from this producer, and the arrival does not disappoint in any way. This multi clone blend is deep and complex, with layered blackberry, cassis, crushed rock, mild dried herb and a little bright kiss from a dash of Merlot in the mix. This program has seen some top notch winemaking talent over the last dozen years, and I can imagine a stack of resumes waiting their turn for a crack at this sourcing. That said, I picture Phillip Corallo-Titus keeping a good hold on the seat. He’s got the touch.

Combining the power of Edcora Vineyard with the grace of Attelas, this alluring wine offers sweet and spicy aromas of cassis, black currant, flashy oak spice, cedar, roasted coffee and anise. On the rich, mouth-coating palate, fine-grained tannins frame the lush dark berry flavors, with hints of clove, cinnamon and vanilla bean emerging on the long, complex finish.. ~97 The Wine Independent

Dusty nose with ripe blackberries and plums as well as hints of ground cloves, pepper and crushed stones. Medium- to full-bodied with firm tannins and velvety texture. Rich and dark-fruited with a lingering finish. Drink or hold. ~ James Suckling

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