Sileni Cellar Selection Hawke's Bay Merlot 2018

Sileni Cellar Selection Hawke's Bay Merlot 2018Subtle oak Dark cherry & plum Elegant spice Supple & smooth "Bright and inviting, the delightfully expressed bouquet shows dark cherry, Black Doris plum, floral, almond and subtle spice aromas, followed by a succulent palate that is supple and smooth. This is fruit forward and refreshing, making it very easy to enjoy" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Dec 2019 Ripe blackcurrant and plum aromas with elegant spice notes. Dark berryfruit flavours with excellent depth

• Subtle oak
• Dark cherry & plum
• Elegant spice
• Supple & smooth

"Bright and inviting, the delightfully expressed bouquet shows dark cherry, Black Doris plum, floral, almond and subtle spice aromas, followed by a succulent palate that is supple and smooth. This is fruit forward and refreshing, making it very easy to enjoy" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Dec 2019

Ripe blackcurrant and plum aromas with elegant spice notes. Dark berryfruit flavours with excellent depth and roundness and a deliciously soft finish.

The Sileni Cellar Selection Merlot is a blend of parcels sourced from the Sileni Lyons, Wedd, Talbot, JV and Hikumutu vineyards within the Bridge Pa Triangle Winegrowing Region, located on the Heretaunga Plains, Hawke's Bay. The Heretaunga Plains is one of the warmest areas in Hawke's Bay and coupled with the free draining red metal gravels provide the ideal conditions for growing Merlot.

Fermented in closed top stainless steel tanks with gentle maceration via rummage and pump-overs to extract colour and tannins. Inoculated with cultured yeasts to promote fruit aromatics, the wine was also co-inoculated for malolactic fermentation during primary which further enhances its fruit forwardness. Only a small proportion of oak to highlight aromatics and provide some extra richness to the palate. This wine is bottled early to capture its vibrancy.

In ancient Greece the Sileni were companions of Dionysus, the god of wine, vineyards and theatre. When there was something to be celebrated, the Sileni were always on hand to encourage enjoyment of delicious food, great wine and social interaction. Named in their honour, Sileni Estates produces a range of wines made to be great collaborators, with a talent for enhancing flavours and textures.

Food Pairing: Enjoy with tomato-based pasta, pizza, steak, spare ribs, grilled beef or lamb.