Jules Taylor Pinot Gris

Jules Taylor Pinot Gris is a Marlborough, New Zealand Pinot Gris bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Distinguished by a winemaking approach that incorporates wild ferments, barrel aging, and lees stirring, this expression earned a Silver Outstanding medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition for its 2016 vintage — a testament to the complexity Jules Taylor coaxes from this often-underestimated grape.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand  |  Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris  |  Winery: Jules Taylor Wines

Production & Heritage

Jules Taylor Wines is based in Marlborough, New Zealand's most celebrated wine region. Winemaker Jules Taylor sources her Pinot Gris from three distinct clones — 2/15, 457, and 52B — with 78% of the fruit drawn from the Meadowbank vineyard in the Taylor Pass sub-region and the remaining 22% from the Waihopai Valley. While the majority of the juice is pressed, settled in stainless steel tank, and fermented with selected yeast strains, a portion undergoes traditional wild fermentation alongside barrel aging and lees stirring. This layered winemaking protocol — which also includes full malolactic fermentation across parts of the blend — builds richness and textural weight rarely found in standard Pinot Gris bottlings.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe pear and white peach lead, followed by delicate floral and citrus blossom notes. Underneath, a subtle thread of caramelised macadamia and nutty spice emerges as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is silky and immediately fruit-forward, with succulent layers of stone fruit and citrus spreading across the mid-palate. As it develops, hints of caramelised nut and baking spice add depth, while a wet-stone minerality keeps everything grounded. The texture is notably viscous for a Pinot Gris, a direct result of the lees work and partial barrel treatment.

Finish: Medium in length with lifted acidity that cleanses the palate and prevents the richness from becoming heavy. Lingering impressions of ripe pear, lemon zest, and a faint buttery quality carry through to the close.

How to Drink Jules Taylor Pinot Gris

Serve lightly chilled between 8–10°C (46–50°F) to let the textural complexity and stone fruit aromatics express themselves fully. A wide-bowled white wine glass helps concentrate the floral top notes.

• Aperitif pour: The lifted acidity and fragrant pear notes make it an ideal standalone glass before a meal.
• Seafood pairing wine: Its minerality and balanced weight complement pan-seared scallops, prawn linguine, or ceviche.
• Spritzer base: Topped with sparkling water and a twist of lemon, it holds its stone fruit character while becoming a refreshing warm-weather drink.

Best For

• Introducing a wine-curious friend to complex Pinot Gris beyond entry-level examples
• Pairing with a spring or summer seafood dinner
• Gifting a New Zealand wine enthusiast exploring Marlborough beyond Sauvignon Blanc
• Building a varied white wine collection with a textural, food-friendly option

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jules Taylor Pinot Gris taste like? It delivers silky layers of ripe pear and stone fruit supported by citrus, caramelised macadamia, and baking spice, with a viscous mouthfeel balanced by bright, lifted acidity.

How does Jules Taylor Pinot Gris compare to Greywacke Pinot Gris? Both are premium Marlborough Pinot Gris expressions, but Jules Taylor leans into lees-stirred texture and partial barrel aging for a rounder, more buttery profile, while Greywacke — also made with extended lees contact — tends toward a tighter, more mineral-driven style. The two sit in a similar quality tier and are often compared among Marlborough's top Pinot Gris bottlings.

Is Jules Taylor Pinot Gris good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the wine's fragrant aromatics, layered fruit, and balanced acidity make it a satisfying standalone glass, though it also shines alongside food.

Where is Jules Taylor Pinot Gris made? It is made by Jules Taylor Wines in Marlborough, New Zealand, using fruit primarily from the Meadowbank vineyard in the Taylor Pass sub-region and supplemented by grapes from the Waihopai Valley.

What foods pair well with Jules Taylor Pinot Gris? Pan-seared scallops benefit from the wine's buttery texture; Thai green curry echoes its stone fruit and spice; roast chicken with lemon complements the citrus acidity; aged semi-soft cheeses like Gruyère match its richness; and fresh pear and walnut salad mirrors its core fruit and nutty undertones.

What sizes does Jules Taylor Pinot Gris come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, the most widely available format for this wine.

Is Jules Taylor Pinot Gris worth the price? It positions comfortably in the mid-premium tier for New Zealand Pinot Gris, offering winemaking complexity — wild ferments, barrel aging, lees stirring — that goes well beyond what most similarly priced examples deliver.

Why Jules Taylor Pinot Gris?

What separates this bottling from the crowded field of New Zealand Pinot Gris is the winemaking ambition behind it. The combination of three distinct Pinot Gris clones, multi-site sourcing from Taylor Pass and Waihopai Valley, and a production regimen that includes wild fermentation, barrel aging, full malolactic conversion, and extended lees contact builds a wine of genuine depth. Its Silver Outstanding medal at the IWSC confirms that the complexity is not accidental. For drinkers who have written off Pinot Gris as a one-note variety, this Marlborough expression makes a strong case for reconsidering.