Winemaking Notes
The Fortress Vineyard
A high altitude mountain vineyard at 2000 to 2400 feet elevation located on Mt. Konocti directly overlooking Clear Lake in the Red Hills Lake County AVA.
Well drained red volcanic soils - “Benridge-Konocti Associaton” comprised of Benridge loam, Konocti cobbly loam and Konocti stony loam with rock outcrops and stones 3-25 feet in diameter.
High elevation and daily wind/breeze directly from the Lake maintain acidity for a naturally balanced wine. Row orientation is northeast/southwest.
Progressive and sustainable agricultural practices include Scott Henry and Smart-Dyson trellising and canopy management, rice straw mulch provide natural fertilizer, eliminate herbicides, attracts beneficial predators and provides consistent irrigation control. With our rice straw program, we have reduced irrigation by 50% = 50% reduced diesel pump emissions = lower carbon footprint. We use only biofungicides instead of sulfur. Night hand harvesting = lower picking temperatures = safer worker conditions as well as high quality fruit.
2009 Sauvignon Blanc 100% Musque Clone
Harvest Date: September 2-3, 9-10 2009
Alcohol: 14.2%
Total Acidity: 7.9 g/L
pH: 3.42
Residual Sugar: 0.04 g
Cooperage: Cold, stainless steel fermentation, aged 6 months, lees stirred every month.
Cases Produced: 4850 (750 ml x 12)
Crisp and clean with bright acidity, this wine offers up aromas of honeysuckle and tropical fruit with flavors of grapefruit, gooseberry, honeydew melon and ocean brine. Drink either as an aperitif or pair with fresh cheeses, shellfish, seafood, poultry, pasta, or mildly spicy and fusion fare.
2008 Sauvignon Blanc 100% Musque Clone (sold out)
Harvest Date: September 1-3, 2008
Alcohol: 14.2%
Total Acidity: 8.3 g/L
pH: 3.58
Residual Sugar: 0.09 g/L
Cooperage: Cold, stainless steel fermentation, aged 8 months, lees stirred every three weeks.
Cases Produced: 2895 (750 ml x 12)
The Musque clone produces a Sauvignon Blanc reminiscent of a fine white Graves. This wine is crisp and clean with bright acidity and notes of gooseberry, kiwi, honeydew melon, and ocean brine. It is an excellent wine for pairing with cheese.
2008 Petite Sirah
Harvest Date: September 20, 2008
Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: 0.62 g/100mL
pH: 3.95
Residual Sugar: < 0.1 g/L
Cooperage: 20 months, 75% new oak (French and American)
Cases Produced: 1400 (750ml - 6 packs only)2007 Petite Sirah (sold out)
Harvest Date: September 19, 2007
Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: 0.67 g/100mL
pH: 3.94
Residual Sugar: < 0.1 g/L
Cooperage: 15 months new oak (French and American)
Cases Produced: 338 (750 ml – 6-Packs only)
Inky-black, with unbridled richness, this Petite Sirah offers up deep, high-tone black fruits, chipped stone and violet characteristics. Grown in a chalkier block of the vineyard (Block 11) at 2.200 ft., this Petite Sirah is beautifully balanced with softer tannins which avoids shocking the palate.
2008 Novateur (70% Semillon, 30% Sauvignon Musque)
Harvest Date: Sauvignon Musque, October 20, 2008 (28° Brix)
Semillon, October 16, 2008 (28° Brix)
Alcohol: 12.9%
Total Acidity: 6.4 g/L
Residual Sugar: 3%
Cooperage: Stainless Steel and neutral French oak barrels
Cases Produced: 550 (375 ml x 12)
French for "innovative", Novateur is contemporary in style, produced for contemporary foods. It emerges in the glass as untamed, exotic fruit, with minerality and a bright strand of honey. Pair this wine with foods ranging from prosciutto and figs or blue cheese mac and cheese to strong, salty cheese and desserts.
2007 Fortress Finale (100% Semillon)
Harvest Date: November 6, 2007 (38° Brix)
Alcohol: 12.9%
Total Acidity: 0.69 g/ 100 ml
Residual Sugar: 17.3%
Cooperage: 25% new French Oak, 75% neutral oak
Cases Produced: 547 (375 ml - 6-Packs only)
Our flagship wine! It is the essence of traditional Sauternes. Finale is medium gold, full-bodied with honeysuckle, peach, caramel, and a long concentrated finish with balanced acidity. This wine is dessert, but can pair seemlessly well with fois gras, wash-rind cheeses, blue cheese, or various desserts.