The farm boasts a rich array of soils; 21 different types have been identified including some that are among the most ancient viticultural soils in the world. Vines have mainly been established on Clovelly, Glenrosa and Pinedene soils, generally known for their high clay content which ensures good water retention during the critical early-summer ripening stage. Rootstock and varieties have been carefully matched to the most suitable soils, and vine density, ranging from 2 666 to 5 000 vines a hectare, has been dictated by soil type, rootstock and variety. All the vines are trained vertically onto a hedge trellis. A detailed master plan was drawn up for the development of the vineyards and, after intensive climatic and soil analysis conducted over two years, the first new vines were planted in 1989. Current plantings make up some 117 hectares comprising cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, shiraz, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and sémillon.