Sileni Estates ‘Seasonal Release’ Wines

20-Oct-2017

Sileni Estates has released a series of wines under the 'Seasonal Release' label featuring striking artwork on covers over the bottles that are inspired by the food matches for the wines. The bottles are covered with a white-backgrounded sleeve and the colourful artwork is also a celebration of the warmer months, seen as an ideal period to enjoy the wine with the suggested food pairings as depicted on the bottle. The wines within are the ‘Sparkling Cuvee’ NV made from Pinot Gris, and the ‘Cellar Selection’ Sauvignon Blanc 2017 and Pinot Noir 2016. The ‘Seasonal Release’ bottlings are intended to be available until the end of January. I review the wines here. www.sileni.co.nz

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Sileni Estates ‘Seasonal Release’ ‘Sparkling Cuvee’ Pinot Gris NV
  Sparkling Wine from New Zealand - Other

  Review Date : 20-Oct-2017

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Bright, light straw-yellow colour, lighter on the rim, the bead moderately fine and persistent. The nose is fresh with aromatic white and yellow stonefruits along with honeysuckle and light, lifted florals. The nose is soft and voluminous. Dry to taste and light-medium bodied, the palate has a gently packed heart of white and yellow stonefruits with soft pear, honeysuckle and floral notes. The mouthfeel has light phenolic textures providing a little grip, but is balanced by fresh, lacy acidity. The effervescence adds to the freshness as well as some creaminess to the palate. The wine carries to a light, nuanced finish. This is a gentle and harmonious dry sparkling Pinot Gris with stonefruit, pear, floral and honeysuckle notes on a creamy mouthfeel with light, dry textures. Serve as an aperitif, with canapes and antipasto over the next 2+ years. Pinot Gris fruit from a variety of sites, cool-fermented in tank to 11.5% alc. and 6.53 g/L RS, the wine spending a short time in lees and carbonated. 16.5/20 Oct 2017 RRP $19.95
• Sileni Estates ‘Seasonal Release’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017
  Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand - Marlborough

  Review Date : 20-Oct-2017

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Very pale straw colour, near colourless on the rim. The nose is elegant in proportion with softly presented aromas of passionfruit and gooseberries, with fragrant and lifted herbs and some white floral nuances. Dry to taste and medium-bodied, the palate has an elegantly concentrated core with vibrant and fresh flavours of passionfruit and gooseberries, with nuances of cut grass and herbs, with white floral notes. The palate possesses soft, dry textures to balance the fruit vibrancy, but is enlivened by brisk acidity. The wine carries to a slender, lingering finish of passionfruit and gooseberries. This is an elegant, vibrant and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with passionfruit and gooseberry flavours on a soft-textured, lively palate. Match with seafood, salads and vegetables over the next 2 years. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc fruit blended with a portion of Semillon, fermented to 12.0% alc. and 3.8 g/L RS. 17.0/20 Oct 2017 RRRP $19.95
• Sileni Estates ‘Seasonal Release’ Hawke’s Bay Pinot Noir 2016
  Pinot Noir from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay

  Review Date : 20-Oct-2017

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Light ruby-red colour with some depth, paler on the rim with slight purple tints. This has a light, but positive nose with aromas of dark-red cherry fruit with nuances of red florals and herbs. The nose is uncomplicated and fruit-focussed. Medium-bodied, the palate has up-front flavours of strawberries and red cherries with soft red floral notes. The flavours are moderately rich and deep, and gently mouthfilling, and the fruit is supported by light, supple tannin structure with soft, integrated acidity. The palate leads to a positive, light, lingering finish of red fruits and herbs. This is an up-front, fruit-focussed Pinot Noir with strawberry, cherry and herb flavours on a light, supple palate. Serve with salmon and tuna, and with antipasto or tapas over the next 3 years. Hawke’s Bay fruit fermented to 12.0% alc., with a small portion given oak contact. 16.5/20 Oct 2017 RRP $19.95