The grapes were grown in the Riversdale Vineyard in Frankland River in Western Australia. The vines were planted between 1996 and 1998 at a density of 1,650 vines per hectare. The vines are Houghton clones and are planted on their own rootstocks with a southerly aspect. Frankland River soils are chiefly iron rich lateric gravelly or sandy loams derived from granite or gneissic rocks and are typically red in colour with a uniform depth. Some areas carry loams derived from the native Marri and Karri eucalyptus forests. The river valley is a major influence and responsible for cool airflow. The average growing temperatures are very mild and the warm days are moderated by the Albany Doctor - a sea breeze from the Southern Ocean.