2021 Acumen Cabernet Sauvignon Mountainside Napa Valley 750 ml

Phil Titus is a Napa Valley legend. But even most insiders don’t know about the wines he makes for the under-the-radar Acumen label. The small producer is devoted to making intense mountain-grown Cabernet entirely from their fantastic estate vineyard—which is farmed by rockstar vineyard manager Mike Wolf, who also boasts clients like Scarecrow, Vine Hill Ranch, and Bond.

Working with this powerful Atlas Peak vineyard in the outstanding 2021 vintage, Titus crafted an exceptional Mountainside Cab that packs in the dark-berried flavor with luxurious espresso and supple tannins. It might just be the ultimate hedonistic mountain Cab.

Up on rugged Atlas Peak, Acumen enjoyed a privileged position to benefit from the outstanding 2021 season. Their site was originally planted in 1992—a full three years before the iconic nearby Stagecoach Vineyard—and its steep slopes and cool temperatures ensure a long, steady ripening for the grapes to develop opulent richness and decadent tannins.

Their vineyardist, Mike Wolf, enjoys one of the most esteemed reputations in Napa wine circles, and he’s probably the most in-demand vineyard whisperer in California. Formerly Andy Beckstoffer’s right-hand man, he was responsible for the replanting of the legendary To Kalon Vineyard. He boasts a client list that has included names like Scarecrow, Vine Hill Ranch, Bond, Araujo, Lail, and Duckhorn.

For this 2021 Mountainside Cabernet, Wolf’s partner in crime, Phil Titus, applied the winemaking techniques that made him famous at Chappellet and his own label. Healthy fermentations ensured ideal extraction of flavor from the grapes, while a perfectly timed pressing decision locked in tannins that are supple and not harsh. Finally, Titus aged the wine in 50% new French oak, adding polish to the already seductive wine.