The Sexton family live in the middle of their eighty acre vineyard on the high north face of the Warramate Ranges, within the dress circle of Yarra Valley's most eminent estates. The vineyard is introducing organic practises with the express purpose of further distinguishing the site and improving grape and wine quality. An assemblage of Pinot Noir and Shiraz, treated to a traditional course of ferments and judicious term of oak, fashioned into an immensely satisfying, seamless yet complex and engaging, bucolic old world style.

In exceptional years, parcels of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot are separately fermented. The best lots are assembled into a multiple trophy winer named Harry's Monster and treated to an extravagant maturation in the finest oak. Very strong in primary fruit, generosity and mouthfeel, its ripe seed tannins are simply singing in its youth, showing exceptional balance on a long lasting finish.

The capriciousness of the hard to grow, early ripening Pinot Noir makes its expression of site all the more sublime. The winemaking at Giant Steps is holistic and closely micro managed, a particular objective is to enhance the natural microflora for the facilitation of indigenous fermentations in the winery. The Yarra Valley's cool, slow ripening aspects, afford Pinot Noir the time to develop its seductive labyrinth of aromas, showing bright red fruit notes underscored by earthy complexity.

Applejack was established 1997 along a breathtaking vista at Gladysdale on the Upper Yarra, a place of higher altitudes and cooler climes, ideal for mouth filling vintages of structured Chardonnay wines. Grapes are all hand picked and gingerly pressed into 500 litres French oak puncheons for a wild, indigenous yeast ferment. A course of hand stirred lees battonage releases the complexities within the sediments and infuses the palate with layers of character. Defined by its fruit flan delish and seasoned with sprinklings of baking spice, a mere 600 cases are made each vintage.

After decades of managing vineyards and making wine, Crittenden have formed strong and enduring relationships with Victoria's best growers. Geppetto is a blend of Pinot Noir clones MV6 and 114, 115 and D2V5, all picked by hand from good vineyards in Sunbury and Geelong, Tuerong and Patterson Lakes. Geppetto is judiciously aged in barrels of seasoned oak, the style is intentionally made for early enjoyment, increased vine age and gentle processing makes a wine that articulates the vitality of Victorian Pinot Noir.

After years of self management, the ancient Garden Gully vines have been nursed back to health, for harvests of the most exemplary fruit. Exacting regimens of pruning and the close husbanding of vines were an act of faith, the task was completed successfully and the ancient plantings were restored to their former glory. The old block closest to the cellar door, so true to enduring local folklore, yields harvests of world class Shiraz. Vintage 2006 claimed Judges Trophy and Best Wine Victorian Wine Challenge.

Garden Gully is steeped in early viticultural history, the ancient vines bear testament to its place in local folklore. As a Riesling, Garden Gully represents a magnificently poised palate of defined varietal flavours, as influenced by the brisk climes and parched terroirs of the Victorian Grampians. Tiny yields of very small bunches and long walks along the challenging terrains demand an extra effort from the pickers, the Garden Gully winemaking team however are always very pleased with the incedible quality of fruit.

Riesling is sourced from premium cool climate vineyards in Victoria's high country. A remarkable thing about the famous King Valley Rieslings, is that they are endowed with the most exquisite balance. The nutrition levels in the grapes and refreshing acidity mean that the Gapsted winemaking team need do very little when handling their harvest, the aim being to preserve natural integrity of superior quality fruit. Enjoy today as it's drinking brilliantly alongside good seafood, particularly olive oil and herb dressed and chargrilled squid.

Shiraz and Grenache are erstwhile mates which are often paired for fashioning into a well structured, Rhone styled red. Gapsted retain some of the finest Dolcetto vineyards in Australia, the name of the grape is Italian for sweet, it makes a delicious match with Shiraz and Grenache, textural, seamless and soft, with a titillating sprinkle of spice. An amazing refresher when served slightly chilled, revitalizing as aperitif, the red wine of choice to accompany pork fennel sausages and applesauce, mozzarella lasagne or mushroom gruyere pie.

Inspired by the lush fruitiness of the Italian classic Moscato d'Asti, Gapsted is a blend in name and in style, of the piquant Traminer Musque grape and the wickedly luscious Frontignac Muscato bianco. Traminer is sourced from Whitlands Vineyard, grown to the higher, elevated aspects of Valley King, picked early to retain freshness and lively fruit character. This slightly spritzy Moscato drinks well on its own but also suits a range of lighter desserts such as pannacotta or soft cheese, dried fruits or peach almond recipes.

An assemblage of King Valley fruit, some parcels acquire their individuality in the vineyard, while others develop their charm in the vinification and ageing. Previous vintages have claimed conspicuous accolades including a silver medal at the prestigious London International. Much of the fruit is sourced from eminent sites around Whitfield in King Valley, not far from the Gapsted wineworks. Growing conditions can be close to perfect in these higher altitudes and the team make it a priority to capture and preserve the exceptional quality of Shiraz.

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.

Gapsted winemaker Michael Cope-Williams samples a myriad of candidate wines each vintage, to consider the option of Rosé styles. Five different wines from five unique varietals are made in the preparation of Ballerina Canopy Rose. In the end it is a balanced alliance between the parched dryness of Spain and savoury fruitiness of Italy, the torrid spice of the sun drenched Tempranillo marries beautifully with the cherry ripe of Sangiovese.

Gapsted have taken the opportunity to acquire superior harvests, grown to the upper and middle reaches of Valley King, constructing a Cabernet Sauvignon of wonderful warmth, integrity and charm. A component of exquisite Barossa fruit contributes comforting chocolatey richness, a precious parcel from a choice site in Heathcote adds palate weight and splendid savouryness. A whole that's greater than the sum of parts, suede textural mouthfeel, generosity of fruit and sound structure, finishing in precisely the right direction.

Gapsted are real wines made by real people, a partnership between dedicated viticulturalists and a distinguished winemaking team. The propitious compact means that everything by Gapsted carries the signature and personality of the people involved, the charm of small vineyards and influence of choice microclimes. The labour of love and passion by mates who share a desire to create appealing and personable wines, Tobacco Road is a compelling example of high country Merlot, endowed by ripe red fruit flavours and supported by well structured tannins.

Galli Estate produce a variety of quality wines from fruit grown on their vineyards at Sunbury and Heathcote. Galli Estate have been very well received by reviewers, and have been recognised for quality at competitions, already receiving Gold for their Pinot Grigio, a varietal that the winemaking team find very exciting. A milky white wine showing grapefruit, lime and green apple flavours with hints of musk and lemon. Sylish and modern for everyday enjoyment, Galli Estate is long and clean with titillating fruit and a refreshing finish.

Galli's Camelback vineyard, situated northeast of the Heathcote township, enjoys a warmer clime, and the rainfall is always very limited. Growing seasons are normally dry with relatively even temperature ranges during veraison. Shiraz wines from this vineyard are delightfully flavoursome with earthy notes and a finely structured palate of some elegance, distinctive varietal character and sturdy tannins.