Constellation Brands has released its super premium wines under the Selaks banner to mark 80 years of that brand’s heritage. The ‘Founders’ wines were originally released in recognition of Mate Selaks’s passing in 1991. The new releases this year celebrate and acknowledge the first vintage of Marino Selak in 1934. Marino, a Croatian immigrant took his nephew Mate into the business in 1940, and Mate took charge of the family company in 1947. Mate’s sons Ivan and Michael continued until the merger of Selaks and Nobilos with distribution company National Liquor Distributors and BRL Hardy in 1998 forming the Nobilo Wine Group. Following BRL Hardy’s buy-out of all the company’s shares in 2000, the world’s largest wine business Constellation Brands acquired BRL Hardy in 2003.
The Selaks name has been revitalised with the ‘Founders’ series of wines made under the eye of head winemaker Brett Fullerton, with the company for since 1992. Brett is based at the Hawke’s Bay ‘Corner 50’ winery, now renamed ‘Selaks’ in honour of the family which had its beginnings 80 years ago. Here are my reviews of the wines. www.selaks.co.nz
FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW
- Selaks ‘Founders’ ‘Limited Edition’ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014
- Selaks ‘Founders’ ‘Limited Edition’ Hawke’s Bay Pinot Gris 2014
- Selaks ‘Founders’ ‘Limited Edition’ Hawke’s Bay’ Chardonnay 2013
- Selaks ‘Founders’ ‘Limited Edition’ Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013
- Selaks ‘Founders’ ‘Limited Edition’ Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Merlot 2013