Acumen : Mountainside 2014

A Full-Bodied, Mountain-Grown Red Blend from Napa Valley

Founded by owner Eric Yuan, and managed by Winemaker Henrik Pulsen with Viticulturist Garrett Buckland, Acumen currently expands over 116 acres of organically certified vines, divided into two vineyards in Napa Valley's Atlas Peak. In this remote winegrowing area, elevations are high. The vines grow in volcanic soils and enjoy a relatively cool climate, which allows for a slow and steady ripening of the grapes and the development of complex aromas. The team at Acumen focuses on crafting a small portfolio of estate-grown wines made from mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are modeled after the great Napa Valley Cabernets of the 1960's and 1970's, known for their classic structure, balance and remarkable potential for age. The Acumen Mountainside 2014 is a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Malbec, 19% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot, a Bordeaux-style blend. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, of which 72% were new. 2014 is known in Napa Valley as "The Year of the Quake," but in terms of winemaking, smooth growing conditions lead to an early harvest of ripe, concentrated grapes with great structure.

The Acumen Mountainside 2014 is a full-bodied red wine, made from a blend of traditional Bordeaux varietals. On the nose, this Napa Valley red wine offers aromas of black cherries, fresh blackberry pie, rose petals, mocha and wet earth. Blueberries emerge loudly on the palate, coating the mouth, along with plums and hints of baking spices. The tannins are ripe and pleasantly grippy, balanced with notes of rhubarb jam, toffee and sage, which carry through to a long and satisfying finish.