Jules Taylor 2023 Chardonnay, Marlborough, New Zealand

What strikes first in the Jules Taylor 2023 Chardonnay is its light—not just in body, but in spirit. Bright aromas of yellow apple and Meyer lemon ribbon through the glass, undercut by grapefruit pith and a whisper of white florals. A touch of brioche and hazelnut lingers behind, woven with oak that stays supportive, not showy. 

On the palate, the wine opens in layers. Honeydew melon and mandarin segments ripple in the mid-palate, while chalky minerality maps the line between fruit and tension. Lees contact softens the grain of clarity—silky, fleshed out, focused. 

This Chardonnay stands against the old-school mold. Only about 10 % new oak and a partial malolactic ferment means Jules lets the vineyards speak first—especially Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, where early morning fog and sun-drenched afternoons underline freshness with depth. 

Her winemaking philosophy traces back to the 2001 beginnings. Jules grew up in Marlborough’s pioneering vine fields and has remained true to its ethos: fruit expression framed by purity, not oak. Her broader collection—Pinot Noir, Grüner Veltliner, Rosé—shares this lean, expressive character. 

What endures is the wine’s honest clarity. No grandeur, no gloss—just presence. This is Chardonnay that feels connected, alive, and inviting. Pour it with grilled trout, buttered corn, or just evening light, and understand how freshness and grace can linger beyond the first sip.

Jules Taylor 2023 Chardonnay—Marlborough essence distilled into poised brightness.