Elgin Valley is surrounded by mountains, which creates a cool microclimate, resulting in temperatures 3°C degrees lower on average than surrounding areas. The valley funnels cooling sea breezes from the Atlantic, just seven miles away. The vineyard is between 250 to 300 metres above sea level and has a south-east to easterly aspect to optimise sun exposure. The soils are clay mixed with iron-rich ferricreet cobbles and shale. The clay soils retain exactly the amount of water needed, while the steep slopes and rocky top soils guarantee sufficient drainage. Combined with a dry farming policy, these nutrient-poor soils impart intensity and character to the wine and produce a full-bodied style of Sauvignon Blanc. The Lyre-trained vines have an average age of 11 years and are planted at a high density on R 110-14 rootstocks. Hand harvesting takes place in small, 18-kilogram crates.