Archive Tasting Notes - Cellar Selection
White Wines
Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2008
The Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc has ripe tropical and gooseberry fruit flavours with a zingy finish and impeccable balance. A great aperitif or seafood wine made for drinking young. Serve lightly chilled.
Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2007
The Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc has intense passionfruit and gooseberry fruit flavours with a vibrant, fresh finish and lovely balance. A perfect aperitif or seafood wine made for drinking young. Serve lightly chilled.
- Silver Medal – Korean Wine Challenge 2008
- 85 Points –Wine Advocate, May 2008
Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2006
The Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc has classic gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours with a clean, fresh finish and excellent balance. An excellent aperitif or seafood wine made for drinking young. Serve lightly chilled.
- Best White Wine Trophy – Indy International Wine Competition, USA, 2006
- Concordance Gold Medal – Indy International Wine Competition, USA, 2006
- Gold Medal – San Francisco Wine Competition, 2007
- Silver Medal – Korean Wine Challenge, 2007
- Silver Medal – Indian Wine Challenge, 2007
Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2005
The Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc has classic gooseberry and tropical fruit characters with fresh acidity giving focus to the fruit flavours. This is an excellent food wine and is made to enjoy over 2 - 3 years.
- Best Wine Wine Trophy - Korean Wine Challenge, 2006
- Best New Zealand White Wine Trophy - China International Wine Challenge, 2006
- Best Sauvignon Blanc Trophy - China International Wine Challenge, 2006
- Gold Medal - Korean Wine Challenge, 2006
- Gold Medal - China International Wine Challenge, 2006
- Silver Medal - Japan Wine Challenge, 2006
- Silver Medal - FBAT International Wine Challenge, 2006 (Thailand)
- Second - Best First Class White Wine Trophy - Business Traveller Cellar in the Sky Awards, 2006
Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2004
The Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc has classic gooseberry and tropical fruit characters with fresh acidity giving focus to the fruit flavours. This is an excellent food wine and is made for drinking over 2-3 years.
- Trophy x 3 – Best NZ White Wine, Best International Sauvignon Blanc, Best Value White Wine, London International Wine Challenge, 2005
- Gold Medal x 3, London International Wine Challenge, 2005
- Gold Medal, Old Ebbett Grill Wine & Oyster Match, 2004
- Double Gold, Sydney International Top 100 Wine Competition, 2004
- Gold Medal, Singapore Spirits and Wine Asia Competition, 2005
- Gold Medal, London International Wine Challenge, 2005
- Gold Medal, San Francisco International Wine Competition, 2005
Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2003
The Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc has classic tropical fruit notes with fresh acidity giving focus to the fruit flavours. This is an excellent food wine and is made for drinking over 2-3 years.
Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2002
The Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc has classic gooseberry and tropical fruit flavours with fresh acidity giving focus to the fruit flavours. This is an excellent example of the Marlborough style and is made for drinking over 2-3 years.
Cellar Selection Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2004
Ripe lime and melon flavours from the Semillon blend with the trademark gooseberry and tropical fruit of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc giving a soft finishing style that is superb with food. A fruity style that drinks well young but will also cellar well for 2 - 3 years.
- Gold Medal - Japan Wine Challenge, 2005
- Silver Medal - Royal Easter Wine Show (NZ), 2005
- Bronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards (UK), 2005
- Bronze Medal - New World Wine Awards (NZ), 2005
- Seal of Approval - London International Wine Challenge, 2005
Cellar Selection Unoaked Chardonnay 2007
This unoaked Chardonnay has super-ripe citrus and stonefruit characters with a soft, rich finish. It is a fruit forward style with beautiful balance and weight, designed to drink young.
Cellar Selection Unoaked Chardonnay 2006
This unoaked Chardonnay has ripe citrus characters with a clean, balanced finish. It is a fruit forward style with excellent structure and length that will cellar comfortably for several years.
Cellar Selection Chardonnay 2007
A portion of the juice for this wine was fermented in French oak barriques, with the remaining done in tank to retain more fruit driven characters. After a partial malolactic fermentation, the wine was left to mature on yeast lees to develop more complexity.
Cellar Selection Chardonnay 2006
The Cellar Selection Chardonnay has citrus and melon flavours backed up with sweet oak and lees stirred complexity. It is made in an early drinking style, but will comfortably cellar for the next 2-3 years.
Cellar Selection Chardonnay 2005
The Cellar Selection Chardonnay shows classic stone-fruit and citrus flavours with subtle oak and beautiful balance. Although made for early drinking, it will comfortably cellar for the next 2-3 years.
Cellar Selection Chardonnay 2004
The wine shows classic stonefruit and citrus flavours with subtle oak and beautiful balance. Although made for early drinking it will comfortably cellar for the next 2 - 3 years.
Cellar Selection Chardonnay 2003
This wine shows classic stone-fruit and citrus flavours with subtle oak and beautiful balance. Although made for early drinking, it will comfortably cellar for the next 2-3 years.
Cellar Selection Chardonnay 2002
This wine shows rich melon, stone-fruit and citrus flavours with subtle oak and a soft, lingering finish. Although made for early drinking, it will comfortably cellar for the next 2-3 years.
- Gold Medal - Hong Kong International Wine Challenge, 2003
- Silver Medal - London International Wine Challenge, 2005
- Silver Medal - London International Wine Challenge, 2003
Cellar Selection Chardonnay 2001
This wine was made from a blend of Marlborough, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay fruit after our own vineyards lost 90% of their production in an unseasonal frost. It had partial barrel fermentation and a full malolactic fermentation to add texture, complexity and a rounded finish to the vibrant melon / citrus flavours. Although made for early drinking, it will comfortably cellar for the next 2-3 years.
Cellar Selection Riesling 2007
The Sileni Cellar Selection Riesling has aromatic citrus/lime flavours in a fresh style with a finish that is just off-dry. Perfect for drinking young with fresh primary fruit, or cellar it for several years to develop a toasty complexity.
- Top 10 Rating & Gold Medal - Canberra International Riesling Challenge, Australia, 2007
- Silver Medal - Royal Easter Wine Show, (NZ), 2008
Cellar Selection Riesling 2006
The wine has typically floral, citrus/lime flavours in a tight style with a touch of sweetness on the finish. Perfect for drinking young and fresh, or cellar it for several years to develop more complexity.
- Bronze Medal - Air New Zealand Wine Awards, 2007
Cellar Selection Riesling 2005
The wine has wonderful aromatic citrus/lime flavours with beautifully balanced acidity on the finish. Perfect for drinking young and fresh, or cellar it for several years to develop more complexity.
- Silver Medal – Air New Zealand Wine Awards, 2006
Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2008
The Cellar Selection Pinot Gris has classic aromatic peach flavours along with beautifully balanced acidity and a long finish. It is just off-dry and well suited to seafood, white meats and Asian food styles. Drink it young or cellar for 3-4 years.
- Bronze Medal - International Wine Challenge, London, 2009
- Bronze Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards, 2009
- Bronze Medal - New Zealand International Wine Show, 2008
- Bronze Medal - Air New Zealand Wine Awards, (NZ), 2008
- Bronze Medal - Hawke's Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards, (NZ), 2008
- Bronze Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition, San Francisco, 2009
Cellar Selection Pinot Gris 2007
The Cellar Selection Pinot Gris has classic aromatic peach flavours along with beautifully balanced acidity and a long finish. It is just off-dry and well suited to seafood, white meats and Asian food styles. Drink it young or cellar for 3-4 years.
Red Wines
Cellar Selection Cabernet Franc Rose 2007
Bright ruby colour with aromas of raspberry and brambles, a fresh, mouthfilling palate and a soft, satisfying finish. A great food wine at any time of year. Drink it young and lightly chilled.
- Silver Medal & Best in Class – Hawke’s Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards (NZ), 2007
- Pure Silver Medal (Sustainable Wine Category) – Air New Zealand Wine Awards, 2007
- Bronze Medal – The New Zealand International Wine Show, 2007
Cellar Selection Cabernet Franc Rose 2006
Brilliant mid ruby colour with aromas of raspberries and blackcurrants, a rich, mouthfilling palate and a soft finish. A great food wine at any time of year. Drink it young and lightly chilled.
- Best Still Rose Wine of Competition, Sydney International Wine Competition, 2007
- Top 100 Rating, Sydney International Wine Competition, 2007
Cellar Selection Saignee (Rose) 2005
The Cellar Selection Saignee (named for the French term for bleeding juice off the red ferments) has a striking ruby colour and ripe flavours of dark berryfruits with a touch of oak. This wine is a great accompaniment to al fresco summer dining. Enjoy young and lightly chilled.
- Silver Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards (UK), 2006
Cellar Selection Saignee (Rose) 2004
The Cellar Selection Saignee (named for the French term for bleeding juice off the red ferments) has a rich ruby colour with ripe flavours of plums and dark berry fruits backed up with a touch of oak making this a great food wine. Drink it young and lightly chilled.
- Bronze Medal - San Francisco Wine Competition, 2005
- Seal of Approval - London International Wine Challenge, 2005
Cellar Selection Saignee (Rose) 2003
The Cellar Selection Saignee (named for the French term for bleeding juice off the red ferments) has a rich ruby colour with ripe flavours of plums and dark berry fruits backed up with a touch of oak making this a great food wine. Drink it young and lightly chilled.
Cellar Selection Rose 2002
Vibrant ruby colour and ripe flavours of red berryfruits with a touch of oak make this wine a great complement to al fresco summer dining. Drink it young and lightly chilled.
Cellar Selection Rose 2001
Vibrant ruby colour and ripe flavours of dark berryfruit with a touch of oak make this wine a great complement to al fresco summer dining. Drink it young and lightly chilled.
Cellar Selection Rose 2000
Designed to be lightly chilled and consumed in the heat of summer, the Rose offers red berryfruit and savoury oak characters with a soft, lingering finish.
Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2008
The Cellar Selection Pinot Noir has concentrated black cherry and dark berry aromas which follow through to the palate where dark berryfruit and cherry flavours are supported by soft tannins. This is a ripe and deeply coloured food wine, designed for early drinking but capable of cellaring for 3-5 years.
- Bronze Medal - Hawke's Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards, (NZ), 2008
- Bronze Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition, San Francisco, 2009
Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2007
The Cellar Selection Pinot Noir has concentrated black cherry and dark berry aromas which follow through to the palate where dark berryfruit and cherry flavours are supported by soft tannins. This is a ripe and deeply coloured food wine, designed for early drinking but capable of cellaring for 3-5 years.
- Bronze Medal - Hawke’s Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards (NZ) 2008
- Bronze Medal - Hawke’s Bay A&P Mercedes-Benz Wine Awards (NZ) 2007
Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2006
The Cellar Selection Pinot Noir has typical red berry and cherry aromas which follow through to the palate where ripe berryfruit flavours are supported by soft tannins. This is a great food wine, designed for early drinking but capable of cellaring for 2-4 years.
- Bronze Medal – Royal Easter Show Wine Awards (NZ), 2007
- Bronze Medal – San Francisco Wine Competition, 2007
- Bronze Medal - New Zealand International Wine Show, 2006
- Bronze Medal - Hawke’s Bay A&P Mercedes Benz Wine Awards (NZ), 2006
- Bronze Medal - New World Wine Awards (NZ), 2007
Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2005
The Cellar Selection Pinot Noir has typical red fruit aromas which follow through to the palate where berry and cherry flavours are backed up by well structured tannins. This is an excellent food wine, and although made for early drinking it will comfortably cellar for the next 2-4 years.
- Bronze Medal - San Francisco Wine Competition, 2006
Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2004
The Cellar Selection Pinot Noir has typical ripe black cherry aromas which follow through to the palate where dark berry and cherry flavours are backed up by good acidity and well structured tannins. This is an excellent food wine and although made for early drinking, it will comfortably cellar for the next 3 - 4 years.
Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2003
The Cellar Selection Pinot Noir has typical red fruit aromas which follow through to the palate where berry and cherry flavours are backed up by well structured tannins. This is an excellent food wine, and although made for early drinking it will comfortably cellar for the next 2-4 years.
Cellar Selection Syrah 2007
Dark in colour, with red berryfruit and cracked pepper characters. This wine has fine tannins and a soft finish providing great drinkability as a young wine, but it has the fruit and backbone to cellar comfortably for 4-5 years.
Cellar Selection Syrah 2006
Deeply coloured with blackberry and black pepper characters. Smooth tannins and a soft finish provide great drinkability as a young wine, but it will cellar comfortably for 4-5 years.
- Bronze Medal - New World Wine Awards, (NZ), 2008
Cellar Selection Syrah 2005
Dark purple/red in colour with dark berryfruit and classic cracked pepper characters. Supple tannins and a soft finish provide great drinkability early on, but it will also cellar comfortably for 4-5 years.
Cellar Selection Merlot 2007
Great colour and aromas of plum and dark berryfruit are typical of Hawke's Bay Merlot. Silky tannins give it a soft finish for early drinkability and the depth of fruit gives it the ability to cellar for 4-5 years.
- Pure Silver Medal (Sustainable Wine Category) - Air New Zealand Wine Awards, (NZ), 2007
- Bronze Medal - Royal Easter Wine Show, (NZ), 2008
- 86 Points - Wine Advocate, May 2008
Cellar Selection Merlot 2006
Great colour and aromas of plum and dark berryfruit are typical of Hawke's Bay Merlot. Silky tannins give it a soft finish for early drinkability and the depth of fruit gives it the ability to cellar for 4-5 years.
- Bronze Medal - Royal Easter Wine Show Awards, (NZ), 2007
Cellar Selection Merlot 2005
Dark purple in colour, this wine has masses of dark berryfruit typical of Hawke’s Bay Merlot. Soft tannins give it a velvet finish for great early drinkability and the concentrated fruit gives it the ability to cellar for 4-5 years.
- Bronze Medal – Liquorland Top 100
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