After tasting blind and arriving at a big score, I remember that I have given this particular bottling the big score in two previous vintages — 2015 and 2016 — and right out of the gate, this vintage appears to be in the same rarified air as those two wines. There is so much going on here, and it’s all just starting to show itself through the structured backbone. The Cabernet hallmarks are here, with lively blackberry and cassis, rich oak spice, crushed rock and earthy mineral notes that are an Atlas Peak signature, all fine tuned and beautiful. Dare I say this is a bargain when it comes to high end Napa Valley Cabernet? I do so dare — without reservation. Transcendent wine! 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, clones 15 and 169.
Acumen PEAK, Atlas Peak – Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
By Rich Cook