"A gorgeously composed and styled chardonnay; the inviting bouquet shows mango, nectarine, lemon peel, vanilla and cedar characters, followed by a succulent palate that offers excellent depth and richness, while remaining harmonious and poised. Highly enjoyable" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2020

Mid straw colour in the glass. Complex and layered aromas of brioche and stonefruit, with toasty and vanillin notes. Long, weighty and complex, with a rich and mouth-filling mid palate and a long, toasty finish.

The 2018 Founders Chardonnay hails from Selaks Airstrip Vineyard at the tip of the Bridge Pa Triangle - a renowned sub-region for premium winemaking in Hawke's Bay. In ancient times the area saw numerous volcanic events, resulting in soil types that include gravel and shallow clay-loam soils with underlying free draining pumice, making it a truly unique growing region.

After a slow start to the season, fantastically consistent warm days between January and March closed out this vintage with great conditions lasting right up to harvest. High overnight temperatures along with high humidity meant our viticulture teams were ever vigilant and gave our vines all the attention required.

Hand harvested and whole bunch pressed, the grapes require no skin contact before transferring straight to barrel. No yeast was added, relying purely on natural fermentation to retain and enhance quality Chardonnay flavour characteristics.

Today, Selaks encompasses a comprehensive range of wines and has earned numerous accolades along the way. Since those first vines were planted, one thing has remained the same - Marino Selak’s most treasured grapes were blended into a wine that he kept especially for his family and friends. Over 85 years later, Head Winemaker Brett Fullerton continues to honour this tradition of producing the very best by crafting this unique wine they call ‘Founders.’ Selaks Founders represents the pinnacle of their winemaking expertise and which they hope you will take the time to enjoy this wine that’s been generations in the making.

Food Pairing: A winning combination with steak bernaise or pumpkin ravioli.