in the vineyard : The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were selected from vineyards in the Stellenbosch and Durbanville areas, situated 165 to 245 metres above sea level. The vines were planted from 1988 to 1989 in deep, yellow-brown soils with a substructure of soft, decomposed rock.
The Pinot Noir grapes were grown in Stellenbosch at an altitude of 230 metres above sea level in southwest to west-facing vineyards and planted in 1981 in yellow soils with a high clay content.
The winemaker works very closely with a team of viticulturists and he closely supervises pruning, suckering and canopy management practices for optimal crop yield. During the ripening season the grapes are tested daily for ripeness and also chemically analysed to ensure they are picked when varietal flavours are most concentrated, tannins are ripe and there is a good balance between fruit and acid.