Whisson Lake Monopole Pinot Noir, Piccadilly Valley

Planted high on the east-facing slopes of Carey Gully in the Piccadilly Valley, Whisson Lake is widely regarded as one of Australia's premier sites for cool-climate Pinot Noir. Viticulturist Mark Whisson and winemaker Andrie Whisson manage this steep, high-altitude vineyard with strict organic practices. The Monopole cuvée is drawn exclusively from a tiny, dedicated parcel of D5V12 clone vines situated directly beside their home.

In the cellar, human intervention is kept to a minimum. Fermentation occurs naturally in small open vessels using indigenous yeasts and a small component of whole bunches. The wine matures slowly on its gross lees for up to 20 months in seasoned French oak barrels, allowing the fruit to express its origin without heavy timber influence. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The nose opens with red cherries, raspberries, dried herbs, and sub-alpine forest floor. The palate offers focused acidity, fine tannin, and persistent spice, balancing power with elegance.