Nose

Fortis presents the absolute pinnacle of richness and complexity. It displays an intense array of aromas including juicy
plum, ripe blackberries and black currant balanced with baking spices, brown sugar and dark cocoa.

Palate

The wine explodes
on the palate with supple fruit notes of warm black cherry and cassis amid hints of espresso, toast and light vanilla
that continues through the unrelenting finish. Firm tannins and a robust structure affirm the tremendous aging
potential of this wine, which in its youth, would show best after decanting for at least one hour.

Growing Conditions

Only the finest blocks of the most outstanding fruit are selected from our 200 acres of estate vineyards across the Napa
Valley for this special bottling. Every vintage, the appellation composition of this wine will vary depending upon
the performance and character of each region that year.

For 2007, the blend is composed of
62% Stags Leap District, our home appellation, 33% Rutherford, 4% Oakville and 1% Carneros fruit.

The 2007 vintage was long and variable, with an early, cool start and several heat waves throughout the growing season.
This resulted in small clusters of tiny, intensely flavored berries and a late September harvest.

Harvest

The fruit for Fortis was
harvested at night into small 25 pound bins to ensure that the grapes arrived in pristine condition.

Bottling

Bottling
in April 2009.

Winemaking

The fruit was sorted
first in full cluster and then by individual berry before crushing. After fermentation, the wine underwent extended
maceration for 26 days.

Aging

Racked to 65% new French oak barrels and aged for 14 months.

Food Pairing

A youthful wine with such abundant layers of flavor will best pair with lush yet simple preparations that will balance the
tannins while allowing the multifaceted flavors to shine. Enjoy it along side a roast rack of lamb, wood-grilled steaks,
chops and vegetables. As the wine ages, pair it with aged cheeses such as Ossau-Iraty, and stuffed pork tenderloin
or roasted chicken with mushrooms.