The blessing of limestone subsoils defines many of pinot’s finest sites on earth, and in the Waipara district of north Canterbury, Mountford’s limestone soils come very close to the surface. The roots of vines now more than twenty years of age draw very fine mineral tannin structure from the earth, defining a pinot noir of beautifully even flow. In his 13th vintage at the estate, winemaker C.P. Lin blesses this fruit with a judicious 20 percent whole bunch and well balanced French oak, highlighting pure red fruits and subtle spice. Beware of bottle variation – the first bottle I tasted was corked.