I had an (email) chat with Jules just the other week talking about vintage, Marlborough and what’s selling. She was wonderfully honest and forthcoming with responses, which is sometimes the exception with winemakers. Give me less bullshit and more real responses world. Be more like Jules.

Anyway, this Jules Taylor Chardonnay 2019 is crisp, yet fleshy, carefully made modern Marlborough Chardonnay. Funk meets white nectarine on nose and palate with careful reduction. The fruit is ripe, but restricted malo makes this taut and a fraction tart, though it adds zing and refreshment. That mid palate width carries the wine, even if it is just a little too taut to be seductive. Still, I can’t doubt the quality and deft winemaking touch here. Good stuff. Best drinking: now to five years. 18/20, 93/100. 13.5%, $30. Jules Taylor website. Would I buy it? I’d share a bottle.