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.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.