Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
Acumen estate was founded on Napa Valley’s Atlas Peak by Eric Yuan with the help of founding winemaker Denis Malbec. Eric then brought in well-known winemaker Phillip Titus and renowned viticulturist Michael Wolf. Today the team produces a small portfolio of estate grown wines focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Titus finds Atlas Peak very remote and challenging to plant because of the steep slopes, but “with high elevation, relatively cool climate, and volcanic soils, it is a place where the grapes can ripen perfectly, while retaining the complex structure and tannins that are essential to great Bordeaux varietal wines.”
In addition to the original Atlas Peak vineyard, the winery acquired Edcora Vineyard which is 350 higher in altitude and therefore a bit warmer than the first vineyard during sunlight hours. These two vineyards give the winemaking team a variety of blocks growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from which to craft their excellent wines.
The 2021 growing season started with dry and cool conditions in February and March which kept the vines dormant until mid-April. Warmer weather in May facilitated steady shoot growth and June, July, August, and September weather allowed for leisurely hang time before harvest. The smaller than average grapes yielded great flavors with ripe tannins and excellent concentration.
Diana Schweiger, sales and marketing director at Acumen tells Club 672 that Acumen 2021 Peak Cabernet Sauvignon has “ … beautiful aromatics,” pointing out that “…it’s a California wine with an old-world soft profile. It is not overpowering with jammy fruit as are so many new world Cabernets. It is a glass of wine that you cannot put down.” She says that tasting room staff are loving this wine because of its deep ruby color and notes of vanilla spice on the front. “It just smells so good,” she says, pointing out that the aromas are closely followed by silky smooth mouthfeel and perfect balance. “It’s like a Sophia Loren mixed with a Ryan Reynolds,” she quips. Although vineyards are only a half mile apart, they bring different qualities to the mix. The Attelas Vineyard yields higher natural acidity while Edcora Vineyard is more of the powerhouse with the tannic structure. The blend of the two different vineyard sources allows for the intensity of one to be balanced out by the more graceful characteristics of the other. Although it is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, a very small amount of Merlot is added for a sense of softness and additional balance to the wine.
Acumen Wines – 2021 “Peak” Cabernet Sauvignon