Sileni Cellar Selection Merlot Hawke's Bay

Aromas of ripe blackberry and cherry with subtle spice undertones. Dark berry fruit flavors with superb depth and roundness, as well as a delectably soft finish.

During fermentation, this wine is hand-plunged and pumped-over to help with color extraction and tannin structure. After a period of maceration on skins, the wine is squeezed off and run into oak barrels for maturity.

Silky tannins provide a gentle finish for early drinking, while the richness of fruit allows it to store for 4-5 years. Enjoy with spare ribs, thick pasta, or braised meat.

Graeme Avery founded Sileni Estates out of a lifelong passion for wine. In late 1997, he founded Sileni alongside financial director Chris Cowper and winemaker Grant Edmonds as an export-oriented firm dedicated to producing world-class fine wines.

The winery is named after the Sileni, who appeared alongside Bacchus, the God of Wine, in Roman mythology. They gathered to toast excellent wine, good food, and good company.

The vineyards and winery are located in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s oldest wine district, on the east coast of the North Island. It has a southern latitude of 39° and a climate akin to some of the world’s top wine areas. Sileni Estates also sources grapes from Marlborough, a well-known wine-producing region, such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Storage Instructions

Store your unopened bottle in a cool, dry, and dark place safe from constant vibration. Keep your bottle horizontal in a wine rack or cellar to retain the moistness of the cork. The ideal temperature for storage is between 7 to 15°C. Once opened, a bottle will be good for 3 to 5 days standing upright in the refrigerator.