85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec

Tasting Notes

In 2016, Edcora Vineyard produced a monumental expression of mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon that seamlessly balances opulence and elegance, while showcasing the depth and refinement that mark the best of Atlas Peak. Aromatically, this wine is intense and complex, with layers of dark berries, ripe plum, clove, wild sage, tobacco leaf, earthy minerality and bittersweet chocolate. The voluptuous dark berry notes are echoed on the palate, where they are framed by rich, supple tannins that draw the wine to a luxurious berry and spice finish.    

2016 Vintage Notes

The 2016 vintage on Atlas Peak provided ideal growing conditions at our Edcora and Attelas estate vineyards. After several years of drought, much-needed winter rains replenished our soils. The wet winter was followed by a dry, temperate spring and summer. Because there was abundant sunshine to ripen the grapes, with no noteworthy heat spikes, the grapes were able to mature slowly, developing beautifully articulated varietal flavors, while preserving the natural acidity that is a key element of our wines. The lovely weather continued into harvest, ensuring that we were able to pick each block exactly when we wished. Overall, yields were down slightly in 2016, resulting in wines with rich, concentrated flavors, supple tannins, and layers of terroir-driven complexity.

Reviews

Wine Review Online
“I went crazy for the 2015 edition of this wine (you can search for the review in our archives), and as I start I’m putting aside any undue influence that might have on my impression of this new

vintage. The winery brought on a new winemaker this year (Phillip Titus, who’s definitely no slouch himself), but the 2016 was made by Henrik Poulsen, who has returned to Alpha Omega where he was previously the assistant winemaker, taking the lead role there. It’s easy to see, through the lens of this wine, why he was in demand. This vintage again shows both Edcora’s prowess as a source, and Poulsen’s ability to shepherd it to fruition, shall we say. It leans more forward fruit that the 2015, showcasing concentrated mixed berries, plum, soft tobacco, cocoa and mountain stone minerality that comingle beautifully. Can different things be equal? In this case, as far as scores go, I say yes emphatically. A standing ovation! Contains 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot.” 100 Points -Rich Cook, December 2020

Wine.com
“The 2016 Acumen PEAK Edcora Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon brings outstanding palate presence to the fore. This wine exhibits ripe currants, savory spices, and licorice in its aromas and flavors. Enjoy its formidable concentration and persistence with the garlic and rosemary-accented slice of prime rib.” 96 Points -Wilfred Wong, December 2020

Modern Wine
“This is a very complex, impressive Cab that has a ton of personality but isn't sweet and bloated. It actually has quite a bit of finesse, with fresh blackcurrant fruit, pretty madrone green notes, a hint of cocoa, and great minerality and nerve. Every aspect seems to linger harmoniously on the palate after you take a sip. It really could use a few years in the cellar, and should be killer when it turns 7 years old. The blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec.” 95 Points -Tim Teichgraeber, February 2021

OwenBargreen.com
“Acumen Wines has established an estate that features 116 organically certified acres of vines, spread across two remarkable vineyards on Napa Valley’s Atlas Peak. The Acumen team makes a small portfolio of estate-grown wines, with a focus on mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as Sauvignon Blanc. I adored both of the new release wines by Acumen, both coming from the fantastic and warm 2016 vintage. The 2016 Acumen Wines ‘Edcora Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) is a show-stopping blend, showing sensational terroir and really nice non-fruit tones, with amazing viscosity and length. Phillip Titus certainly has hit a home run with these new wines.

The 2016 Acumen ‘Edcora Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a sensational wine that has an exceedingly long life ahead of it. A silky blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec. Once on the nose this takes on exotic spice aromatics that mingle with creme de cassis, graphite, tar and blackberry cordial that all take shape in the glass. The palate is gorgeous, showing a great sense of minerality and poise. Layers of blackberry cobbler, smoke, creme de cassis and Turkish coffee all collide with light tannins and dark chocolate shavings. Complex and hedonistic, this dense and magical Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well for decades to come. Be sure to give this a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2021-2040.” 95 Points -Owen Bargreen, December 2020 

IntoWine
“Acumen was born in 2012 with vineyards on Atlas Peak in the Napa Valley. They started two labels, Acumen, and PEAK, the latter focusing on small lot production of mountain grown wines. Which brings us to the 2016 Acumen PEAK Edcora Vineyard Cabernet. Acumen has created what aims for a classic Napa style; robust, brimming with black cherry, boysenberry, blackberry, Bing cherry with back notes of pomegranate and wild flowers and a touch of violet. There is a delightful smoothness with this wine with mild tannins and noticeable oak, which does not pull from the intense fruit. This was made from Cabernet Sauvignon with 6% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petite Verdot blended in and aged in mainly new French oak.” 92 Points -Michael Cervin, February 2021

Vinography
“One of the more impressive new Napa producers to which I have been introduced in the past few years is Acumen, and I’ve got two of their wines here this week: their Acumen PEAK Cabernet Sauvignon, and then a single vineyard rendition from Atlas Peak’s Edcora Vineyard. Both are excellent, and wonderful models of restraint, achieving gorgeous lush fruit but with lower alcohols and higher acidity than is typical in Napa.

Inky garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry and cassis with a hint of dried flowers. In the mouth, gorgeous black cherry, dried violets and cola flavors are draped in a fleecy blanket of tannins that gain strength over time. Notes of licorice root and potting soil linger in the finish with dark cherry. Fantastic acidity and wonderful balance. 14% alcohol.” Between 9 and 9.5 Points -Alder Yarrow, December 2020