Acumen Mountainside Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018

Unprecedented these days, but not impossible, we managed to get our hands on some 2018 Acumen that’s basically reserved for allocated By-The-Glass programs throughout the state. When it comes down to it, it’s who you know, and we made a few calls, shook some hands, kissed some babies, and for your benefit, got the deal done.

Enter Acumen. 

Napa Cabernet estate from the eastern edge of the AVA that has cemented its legacy with 116 acres of impeccable Atlas Peak hillside vineyards, and continues to churn out spectacular juice that pays homage to the past with a focus on the future.

Make no mistake, this is mountain fruit done right and is not a wine for the faint of heart. Full-bodied aromas of Bing cherries, stewed cranberries, saddle leather, bay leaves, Luxardo cherries, chocolate ganache, and crushed minerals, robustly formidable tannins and a thin veil of acidity linger on the long and persistent finish. It’s pure unadulterated mountain wine in the best of ways and we have no doubt you’ll love and indulge with every sip. 

Cabernet drives the bus here, but throw in a few other Bordeaux varieties and you have a sensational estate wine that showcases everything that Napa has to offer from a sensational estate that came out of the gate swinging and is still pushing forward with every vintage. 

Original winemaker Denis Malbec (who cut his teeth at Chateau Latour) set the wheels in motion, the rest, as they say, is history. That’s serious First Growth pedigree, and there’s no way Denis would’ve committed himself to a project if he didn’t feel it had the stuff to go the distance.

So feel the sun, smell the earth, and drink in the Cabernet love. This kind of offer doesn't grow on trees you know, and it’s time to turn your table into a 5-star feast of epic proportions. 

Bright blue fruit and tart dark cherry engage lavishly with spiced cedar and a hint of ginger and orange peel. The wine is youthful but easy drinking, with tannins that dry the tongue—a testament to an inherent minerality with a brushy heather note.