Jules Taylor is having an "and just like that moment" because this is her 25th year of winemaking in Marlborough. She made the first Jules Taylor wines - 400 cases of Pinot Gris and Riesling in 2001 - the same year that screw caps were launched in New Zealand on a chilly August day in Marlborough. The screw cap launch took off immediately and if appearances are anything to go by, so did Jules Taylor Wines but Jules admits that it hasn't all been plain sailing.
“Every year, I feel a wave of nerves as vintage approaches but then I begin tasting the flavours—first on the vines as the grapes ripen, then in the winery as the wines take shape—and I’m always amazed. There have definitely been some tough times but we’ve made it through, thanks to incredible partners and a team that’s always willing to roll up their sleeves.”
The following trio are all fresh off the bottling line this month and were tasted this week.
17.5/20
2025 Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Gris RRP $23.99
Jules Taylor’s 2025 Pinot Gris is a compelling expression of Marlborough’s cool-climate white wine, opening with dry, crisp citrus taste of lemon zest, before transitioning into a lush mid-palate, where ripe pear and subtle white peach flavours combine. This wine will be a lovely match with mildly spiced food with its fleshy texture and smooth flavours highlighting freshness and purity of varietal flavour.
17/20
2025 Jules Taylor Marlborough Gruner Veltliner RRP $23.99
A rare but interesting varietal in New Zealand, this fresh new Grüner Veltliner is dry and structured with subtle earthy aromas—think crushed stone, dried herbs and a whisper of white pepper. The palate is medium bodied and this wine will drink now and over the next four to five years.
18.5/20
2025 Jules Taylor Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc RRP $23.99
Jules Taylor’s flagship varietal is Sauvignon Blanc and this fresh new 2025 vintage is dry, light bodied and has great lift aromatically with zesty aromas of green tomato, lime leaf and vibrant lemongrass flavours - it's refreshing and assertive with great integration of taste. .
This vintage leans into Marlborough’s signature style and pushes boundaries with its bold fresh characters.
