A story that Eric Yuan has dreamed of, his Napa winery, Acumen Wine, is guided by a team that includes legendary Winemaker Phillip Titus and renowned Viticulturist Garrett Buckland. Acumen Wines has established an estate that features 116 organically certified acres of vines, spread across two remarkable vineyards on Napa Valley’s Atlas Peak. The Acumen team makes a small portfolio of estate-grown wines, with a focus on mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Sauvignon Blanc.
In 2012, building on a love affair with wine that was first cultivated while studying in Paris, entrepreneur Eric Yuan came to Napa Valley to found Acumen. He sought to create wines that have the French style of balance and structure, creating a product from the high slopes of Atlas Peak. He used the talents of founding Winemaker Denis Malbec (a veteran of Château Latour) and acclaimed Viticulturist Garrett Buckland, to find a high-elevation site that is typically 10 degrees cooler than on the valley floor.
Phillip Tutus calls this region “remote and extremely difficult to plant.” Acumen acquired its first vineyard on Atlas Peak in 2012. Originally planted in 1992, and featuring 32 acres of vines with a northeast exposure, the Attelas Vineyard was the ‘home vineyard’ of Dr. Jan Krupp, predating his famed Stagecoach Vineyard by three years. In 2014, Acumen expanded its estate program with the acquisition of the Edcora Vineyard, which features 84 acres of vines 350 feet higher up on Atlas Peak.
The new wines from Acumen come from the exciting 2019 vintage. They both were absolutely singing despite being only three years of age. I love the 2019 Acumen Wines ‘Edcora Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is highly nervy and structured, with gobs of dark fruits and non-fruit flavor that will be sure to satisfy any serious collector of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more about the new Acumen wines and learn more at https://www.acumenwine.com. Here are my reviews of the new Acumen Wines.
2019 Acumen Wines ‘Peak Attelas Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 Acumen ‘Peak Attelas Vineyard’ blends nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (91%) with the remainder Malbec. An inky dark color once in the glass, this revels in wet grave and stony undertones alongside a great core of dark fruits with black florals on the nose. The palate is round and elegant with silky tannins that frame a deep core of dark currant, tobacco leaf, espresso grounds and smoky minerals. The wonderful sense of length and viscosity adds to the enjoyment, as this beautiful new Cabernet Sauvignon is best enjoyed over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2036- 95
2019 Acumen Wines ‘Edcora Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Edcora Vineyard’ is set roughly a half mile from the Atttelas Vineyard, as this site neighbors the famed ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ high up on Atlas Peak. This 2019 Acumen ‘Edcora Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is entirely comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, as this reveals Asian spice aromatics that collide with anise, cassis cordial, mocha and scorched earthy undertones. The palate is very refined and elegant with ripe dark fruit flavors that meld well with worn leather, graphite and Turkish coffee. Layered and rich, this is outstanding wine to enjoy now — and be sure to give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying in its full-throttle youth. Drink 2022–2040- 96