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Our Mission

From the stronghold of California’s foggy and rugged North Coast, the mission of Fortress is to craft striking wines that capture the wild essence of the land. We believe great wines capture a sense of place and with every bottle of Fortress, we hope to share the unbridled spirit of the North Coast AVA.

Fortress Cabernet Sauvignon
Fortress Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaking Philosophy

In the far reaches of California’s North Coast, behind unassuming gates and miles of dirt roads, lay remote vineyards nestled in steep hillsides and perched on secluded mountaintops. Far from the tranquility of the valley floor, vines are bathed in concentrated sunlight and battered with strong winds throughout the season. Exposure to these elements, combined with well-draining soils, strains the vines and naturally limits yields. In the end, the results are tight clusters and small berries bursting with concentrated juice. There are many inherent hardships of farming these isolated vineyards; however, the rewards are evident in each vintage.

In the winery, we use minimalist techniques that allow the signature flavors of the North Coast to shine through¬—the elegant structure of Alexander Valley, the bold ripe fruit notes of Mendocino Ridge, and the rich savory notes of Pine Mountain. In the classic Bordeaux style, Merlot and Malbec are added to a core of Cabernet Sauvignon for greater depth and complexity. The final blend is always smooth and balanced, conveying a bold expression of the North Coast.

Wine Profile

Fortress Cabernet Sauvignon delivers aromas of dark fruit, baking spice, and cocoa. The palate exhibits rich tannins that complement the subtle hints of blackberry, cherry, and sweet pipe tobacco. With a rich, opulent mouthfeel, Fortress Cabernet Sauvignon has the structure to age gracefully.

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