Winemaker Notes
Acumen has emerged as the embodiment of a dream to share with friends and family the very best of the Old and New Worlds, a dream where world-class winemaking and viticulture combine with a deep love of the land.
The founding Acumen team of winemaker Denis Malbec and viticulturists Garrett Buckland were drawn to the mountainside vineyards of Napa Valley's eastern slopes, which have created countless world-class wines. It was here in the rugged Atlas Peak AVA where they set their roots in two unique vineyards with a total of 116 organically farmed acres. The Acumen labels share a glimpse of the inspiring views from their vineyards, both of which have an Old World feel, with bucolic rolling hills and textured rows of mountainside grapevines, surrounded by chaparral and sagebrush.
Denis Malbec, a winemaking artist, inspiration and good friend, was born and raised amidst the vineyars and cellar of Chateau Latour, a Bordeaux First Growth in the Pauillac commune of the Medoc. He was Acumen's first winemaker and together with Henrik Poulsen made the Acumen wines through the 2015 vintage. Tragically, in early 2016 he passed away in a car accident. He will be greatly missed and warmly remembered, with the 2013 and 2014 Acumen PEAK wines to bear a subtle tribute on the label in his honor.
Acumen lives their belief that the world's best wine are grown in the vineyard, so they feel very fortunate to have their vineyards and winemaking so thoroughly united under the artistry and expertise of Phillip Titus and supported by their amazing full-time vineyard and winemaking team.
Every glass of Acumen is an invitation to share in their dream, to be transported to the vineyards, to feel the sun and smell the earth, to taste the best that Napa Valley has to offer.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.