Red

2020 Jules Taylor Pinot Noir

The 2nd wine from the left is the Jules Taylor Pinot Noir

OSJL Location: Medford, MA

OSJL Price: $7.99

Average Price Elsewhere: $15

Tasting Notes: Jules Taylor is a respected producer in Marlborough, New Zealand, especially known for Sauv Blanc, but also with a few Pinots as well. This one gets rave reviews from the most recent vintage on CellarTracker, and past vintages are also respectable. Some users noted reductive qualities, which I'm fairly sensitive to, so I was a bit apprehensive about what I might find in the bottle.

2020 was a very strange year for wine in New Zealand, as COVID lockdowns hit them particularly strongly. However it appears they were able to make a pretty decent Pinot. When popped & poured, it had quite a lot of reductive quality, with burnt match, flint, and fireworks smoke on the nose and palate. But after a day in the fridge (or 2-3 hours decant, recommended) that all blew off, leaving just a touch of minerality and earthiness on top of very bright fruit, cherry, strawberry, and ripe lemon juice. Finish brought some oak, a bit of mineral and gunpowder back, and a lasting warmth. Pretty unique, very fresh—almost Sauvignon Blanc style—Pinot that ended up being quite enjoyable.

The latest reviews of OSJL Wine sent directly to your inbox.