The cool but sunny environment of the Kidnappers Vineyard near Hawkes Bay and its shallow, warm clay loam soils allow the development of intense Chardonnay flavors in the grapes, which are captured using the traditional winemaking techniques of the Chablis region of France. Grapes are hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed before undergoing fermentation in stainless steel, closed oak tanks and new French oak puncheons. The wine is matured on the lees in oak barrels before bottling.