The wines of Sileni Estates, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Maraekakaho Road, Bridge Pa, Hastings, New Zealand
Phone: (06) 879 8768  Fax: (06) 879 7187
Email: sileni.estates@xtra.co.nz

UK agent: Louis Latour (tel. 0207 409 7276; enquiries@louislatour.co.uk)

A 15 000 case winery established in 1997, Sileni is one of the leading producers in the Hawkes Bay region of North Island, with almost 100 ha under vine. From the wines tasted here it seems that partners Grant Edmonds (chief winemaker), Graeme Avery and Chris Cowper are succeeding in fashioning some high quality wines.

Semillon 2001, Hawkes Bay
Interesting herby, citrus nose leads to a concentrated palate with pure, herby, limey fruit. Good acidity and nice intensity. Very good+ (£9.99)

Chardonnay 2000, Hawkes Bay
Yellow/gold colour. Attractive, classy nose showing toasty oak that combines well with the rich fruit. The delicious rich nutty palate shows good intensity and balance with a fresh citrussy edge. Very good/excellent (£11.50)

Chardonnay 1999, Hawkes Bay
Yellow/gold colour. Classy crisp fruit and attractive oaking, but hard to rate because it was served ice cold.

Merlot/Cabernets 2000, Hawkes Bay
Vivid purple/black colour. Attractive rounded, ripe berry fruit on the nose with a blackcurrant edge. Lovely juicy palate shows a good concentration of berry and black fruits with some tannin on the finish. Not too oaky. Very good/excellent (£12.99)

Merlot/Cabernets 1999, Hawkes Bay
Deep coloured. Rich juicy, sweet berry fruit with a caramel edge on the nose. The palate is chunky, savoury and full flavoured with spicy oak influence. Good concentration. Very good+  

Stockists include Handford (020 7221 9614) and Addison (0800 197 3555)

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