Sileni Exceptional Vintage Pinot Noir 2016

Mature Hawke’s Bay Pinot with earthy red cherry and savoury spice

A decade in bottle has given this Hawke’s Bay Pinot an earthy, savoury character.
Expect evolved red cherry, oak spice and freshness, with a firm structure that makes it a natural partner for dinner.

WHAT IT TASTES AND FEELS LIKE
The fruit has moved beyond freshly picked berries into a more developed red-cherry profile.
Earth and oak spice are more prominent, while freshness still gives the wine shape. As youthful fruit recedes, the oak and tannin can feel more noticeable.
This is a structured, mature Pinot for people who enjoy savoury flavours.

AN OLDER RELEASE FROM PRODUCER-HELD STOCK
This vintage remained in the producer group’s inventory after its original release.
Often called library stock, it became available when the group reduced its remaining older vintages.
Its appeal is genuine bottle age and the flavours that develop with it.

RE-TASTED BY SILENI IN AUGUST 2026
Because this is an aged release, Wine Central asked Sileni’s Head of Production and winemaker to re-taste it and provide guidance on its development:
“Great colour, deep and still holding red. Scarlet and blue hues. Nose is dense, earthy, red cherry and oak spice. Palate is still fresh but with some complexing development, with oak becoming prominent. Drinking really well now and will for another 2-5 years.” - Sileni Head of Production and winemaker, assessment supplied 27 August 2026

WHY EXCEPTIONAL VINTAGE?
Sileni reserves this range for seasons that deliver the conditions and fruit quality to justify it.
Lower yields and longer cellar ageing are part of a philosophy built around concentration, structure and development.

PUT IT WITH FOOD
Try roast duck, slow-roasted lamb, venison with mushrooms, herb-roasted pork or mushroom ragù.
Rich, savoury dishes complement the wine’s earth and spice and help balance its firm structure.

IS THIS YOUR STYLE?
Choose it if you enjoy earthy Pinot, savoury flavours and noticeable oak.
Expect less fresh, juicy fruit than in a young Pinot. This is Pinot showing what bottle age can do rather than trying to taste like a youthful release.

SERVING & BOTTLE VARIATION
Stand the bottle upright before opening and serve at about 16–18°C.
Taste first, then give it a little air if needed.
Mature bottles can naturally show some variation. If a bottle is genuinely faulty, contact Wine Central and we’ll put it right in line with our returns policy.

TRUST YOUR OWN TASTE.
You don’t need to prefer mature Pinot.
But if earthy, savoury flavours appeal to you, this is an opportunity to discover what a decade of bottle development can bring to the variety.