Acumen 2021 Mountainside Cabernet Sauvignon 93 pts

Rich with concentration and palate-coating flavor, this wine is approachable and satisfying. Toasty oak aromatics couple with flavors of black fruits, sweet tobacco and freshly ground coffee. Abundant while velvety tannins persist into a long finish.

This offering wears its “Mountainside” moniker well, with a rustic vibe from start to finish. That “rustic" not a knock on the wine at all, but rather a reference to the structural makeup that holds the fruit character on your palate for a good long time. If you like that rustic edge, feel free to crack into this early – there is plenty of fruit character to balance the tannins. If you prefer a little less, just tuck this away for five to ten years – it will come down the “mountain” dimension of its style. Contains 5% Merlot and 3% Malbec. (Rich Cook)

The 2021 ‘Mountainside’ comes mostly from their estate ‘Attelas Vineyard’ which is set at 1300 feet. Inky in the glass, this unveils loads of black currants and blackberry fruit flavors with stony minerals and tar accents on the palate. Refined and generous, with good tension and refined tannins, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come.

Notes of cassis, ripe blackberries, charred bark, sweet spices and cocoa powder with hints of vanilla and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, very fine and polished with silky tannins that are melted together with the dark fruit. Balanced and fresh with hints of blue fruit at the end. Drink or hold.