Founded in 1985 by Andrie and Mark Whisson, Whisson Lake is a boutique Adelaide Hills winery devoted exclusively to Pinot Noir. Perched on the steep slopes of Mount Carey, the couple combines decades of vineyard experience with a terroir-driven philosophy, nurturing vines across four distinct mesoclimates to capture the subtle nuances of the site.

Mark focuses on vine and soil health, expertly managing the near-45° hillside, while Andrie oversees winemaking with meticulous attention, allowing natural ferments to shape the wine, no fining, filtration, or artificial adjustments. Their wines reflect the cool-climate Piccadilly Valley with purity, elegance, and expressive Pinot Noir character, offering a true taste of the mountain vineyard they know so intimately.

Tasting Notes

"This wine is produced from three clones of pinot noir from a 1985 planting. There is 15% whole bunch included in fermentation. A mere 950 bottles were made. A pale garnet colour in the glass, though structure, texture and savouriness defy the visage. It's scented with rosehip tea, turned earth, garam masala spice, forest floor and gentle smoky paprika elements. Lightly chewy in the palate with bright acidity, a botanical-herbal edge in tart cherry, wild strawberry fruitiness with licks of game meat, smoky paprika and clove. It's a wine that loves air, big glasses, a theatrical decant – it comes to the fore with time. Complexity is writ large; delicacy and sense of place are kindred." 95 Points - Halliday Wine Companion, Mike Bennie (2024).