In 2003 Steve and Paula Black purchased vineyards in the Dundee Hills region of the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Of the 16 hectares planted, 8 are farmed with a focus on non-invasive vineyard practices whilst the other 8 are farmed biodynamically. The hills which lie 45 kilometres south west of Portland and 65 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean are protected to the west by the Coastal Range, creating cool yet dry growing conditions for the production of Pinot Noir as well as Pinots Blanc and Gris. In addition, the vineyards are planted on a rich, volcanic soil mixed with silt, clay and loam providing excellent drainage. In the winery, fermentation and ageing is done in in stainless steel for the whites and in French oak (15% new) for the Pinot Noir. These are rich, complex wines where the fruit is elegantly expressed.