Nose
The 2003 Fortis opens with a flood of ripe, concentrated blueberry and currant aromas,
opulently layered with bitter chocolate, caramel, white peppercorn and bay leaf.
Palate
The firm, yet silky texture of this
voluminous blend boasts intense flavors of dried cherry and red berry, with beautifully integrated tannins. The finish
exhibits stunning length, punctuated by a profile of ripe berry, cocoa and smoke. This wine may be enjoyed now or
cellared for 10-15 years.
Growing Conditions
When crafting a wine of this caliber, the process begins long before vinifi cation. With over 225 acres of
estate vineyards in fi ve different Napa Valley appellations, our dedicated vineyard teams ensure that each block is given
the utmost attention year-round. Through dense plantings, meticulous pruning and canopy management, and careful
hand-harvesting at night, each 25-pound bin of fruit arrives at the winery in pristine condition. The appellation composition
of Fortis will vary year-to-year according to each region’s performance throughout the vintage.
Fruit for the 2003
Fortis is a selection of 43% Stags Leap District, 31% Rutherford, 21% Howell Mountain and 5% Oakville.
The Fortis blending process represents a series of intense, exhaustive evaluations by Winemaker
Stacy Clark and Viticulture & Enology consultant Pascal Marty.
Winemaking
After undergoing malolactic fermentation, individual
lots are selected for their unparalleled flavor, structure and weight. Subsequent evaluations narrow the field, revealing
the crème de la crème of the vintage.
Aging
Aged in 75% new French oak barrels for 16 months, this wine is a bold reflection of
our talented winemaker’s crowning achievement