The grapes were harvested by hand at between 23° and 26° Balling towards the end of February, when they exhibited prominent varietal flavours and when the tannins were ripe but the berries still firm. Each block was vinified separately. The grapes were fermented on the skins in open tanks at 25° C for five to seven days and left on the lees for four months to impart intensity of colour and flavour as well as to ensure the wine sufficient structure to age well.
After malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged in a combination of new, but mainly second and third-fill French oak and a few new American oak barrels.
