The vineyards are located on the fertile slopes of the Olifantsberg Mountain Range where they endure large diurnal temperature differences and strong winds, at altitudes from 300m to 470 metres above sea level. During the winter the mountain peaks are snow covered, keeping the vines dormant for longer. Cold winters, coupled with the summer winds, ensure the slow ripening of the grapes, help to maintain healthy vines and contribute freshness and elegance to the wines. The vines are planted on clayshale rich soil with a high component of quartz rock. The Syrah vines are grown in five
different sites; echalas-trained vines in three sites, and trellised vines in two sites. By selecting from different sites, the nuances of the different aspects of the Olifantsberg Mountain are captured. The cooler micro-climate of the traditional echalas vines results in a higher acidity and a different aromatic complexity, than that found in the trellised vines, resulting in a layered and complex expression of Syrah. The vines are a careful selection of Syrah clones 9, 470, 21 and 22, which further enhances the natural complexity. The grapes are hand-harvested.