Balgownie's Bendigo property was originally planted by local pharmacist Stuart Anderson in 1969. The initial plantings consisted of five acres each Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, they remain the mainstay until today. The vineyard is planted on alluvial clay soils that are low in fertility but provide good moisture retention. These soils naturally limit yields and produce grapes with depth and intensity. Traditional open concrete fermenters are employed to ensure a gentle extraction of colour and tannins. A portion of the wine remains on skins to macerate, building palate structure and firming up the tannins. The final wine is treated to an extended maturation in a selection of seasoned and new French oak barriques.