Jules Taylor : new releases

The latest releases from Jules Taylor shows that, as we’ve come to expect, she excels at creating ebullient, fruit laden wines that have just the right degree of complexity and structure.

The 2019 Pinot Gris has plenty of ripe pear and baked apple with a little touch of gingernut biscuit too. The palate is dry and savoury with a fresh tarragon scented finish. Appealingly textural and satisfying.

Chardonnay has been very much on our minds this week and it was interesting to taste the 2019 Chardonnay. This is a great example of someone crafting their chardonnay to have a nice touch of complexity but mindful to retain a good deal of drinkability. There is a subtle note of barrel ferment which adds a little nutmeg and sweet spice and lees stirring and mlf have added an appealing creamy edge. But the vibrant Marlborough fruit is very much to the fore giving a strong white peach and nectarine character.

The 2019 Pinot Noir has a lively, quite bold colour and plenty of red berry fruit; dried cranberry, raspberry and plum. There is a definite whiff French oak, but it is subtle, giving a note of cinnamon and nutmeg spice. A smidge of tannin adds structure and the finish is crisp. Although only just released, this is drinking well now though should continue to develop in bottle over the next couple of years.

This is a smart set of wines showing a nice lightness of touch. Carefully made and eminently drinkable.