The high altitude, cool ripening Gapsted vineyard at Whitfield in Valley King, facing east at an elevation of 375 metres, is ideally suited to harvests of the finest Sauvignon Blanc. Protected from the hot afternoon sun by hills behind the property, the managed canopy delivers vintages which are fully endowed with an intensity of aromaticness and flavour. As is always the case with good fruit, the wine virtually makes itself. Revealing just a hint of fine tangy acidity, Gapsted is lively, wonderfully balanced and refreshingly crisp, all the way to the finish.

The earlier parts of summer in Victoria's highlands are cool and dry, contributing to the health of Gapsted's vines. Warm days develop ripe tropical fruit characters and the cool nights ensure crisp, grassy Sauvignon Blanc flavours. Conditions in the latter part of the growing season encourage ripeness, full development and fleshyness in the grapes. Sauvignon Blanc is harvested throughout the chill of night, grapes are gently air bag pressed and only the free run juices are retained. Racked to fermenters, crushed and settled to collect much of the flavour from skins, juices are inoculated with choice yeasts and treated to a slow, cool vinification aimed at preserving the vital fruit characters. Alcohol 11.2%