Napa, Calif.—Steve Matthiasson is the new winemaker at Acumen, an Atlas Peak estate that specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon. Matthiasson succeeds winemaker Denis Malbec who died in a car accident earlier this year.

In 2012, Matthiasson was part of the winery’s founding team and developed the first estate vineyard after owner Eric Yuan purchased it from Dr. Jan Krupp. “Steve and Denis shared a common love for the vineyards and a vision to make world-class, age worthy Cabernet Sauvignon by combining the best qualities of the Old and New World.  Being a founding member of our team who shares our passion to make wine in the vineyards, along with being an accomplished winemaker himself, made him a natural choice to succeed Denis,” noted Steven Rea, president and estate director for Acumen, in a press release announcing the hire. 

Steve Matthiasson and his wife Jill Klein Matthiasson have made wine under their eponymous label since 2003 and Steve Matthiasson has worked for several clients including Araujo Estate, Dalla Valle, Spottswood Chappellet and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars.