The closely managed Leabrook vines are always pruned hard in winter and trimmed throughout the summer, ensuring low yields of well exposed berries. Earlier picked grapes offer greater finesse and aromaticness, parcels picked later in the season are laden with bolder flavours and greater structure. Vinification techniques may vary according to the influences of the vintage, acid levels are checked and the mode of handling is determined as fruit is sorted at the winery. The aim is to construct a Pinot Noir with profound smoothness of texture, solid palate weight and the softest tannins. A selection of one and two year old French oak barriques are employed to mature components without dominating fruit.