In the rolling hills of South Australia, where the morning mist clings to the vines and the soil tells a story millions of years old, something special has been “tailor-made” for the 2024 season.
The Taylor Made Pinot Noir 2024 is more than just a bottle of wine; it is a trophy-winning testament to the Taylor family’s obsession with precision. Fresh off its win as Best Pinot Noir of Show at the 2024 Adelaide Hills Wine Show, this vintage is currently the talk of the Australian wine scene.
To understand the wine, you must understand the family. The story of Taylors Wines (known internationally as Wakefield) began in 1969 when Bill Taylor Snr. looked at the limestone rich soils of the Clare Valley and saw the potential to rival the great estates of Bordeaux.
While excavating a dam on the property, the family discovered fossilised remains of tiny seahorses, a sign that their land was once an ancient seabed. Today, the three seahorses on every label represent three generations of Taylors who have stayed true to the mantra: “Respect the fruit.” With the Taylor Made range, they have stepped outside their Clare Valley home to the cooler, high-altitude slopes of the Adelaide Hills to craft a Pinot Noir that is as elegant as it is effortless.
The 2024 vintage is a masterclass in “minimal intervention.” It is light, bright, and designed to be enjoyed while it’s young and vibrant.
The Look: In the glass, it’s a brilliant, translucent crimson—reminiscent of a stained-glass window in the afternoon sun.
The Nose: Immediately, you’re hit with lifted aromas of wild strawberry and dark cherry. As it breathes, more complex notes of rhubarb and a faint, savory hint of dried herbs and tobacco emerge.
The Palate: It is exceptionally silky. The juicy weight of red berries is balanced by a fine, “apple-skin” tannin structure. Thanks to aging in seasoned French oak barriques, there is a subtle depth that lingers long after the first sip, making it incredibly “moreish.”
The perfect pairing…
Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Cherry Balsamic Glaze
Pinot Noir and duck are a match made in culinary heaven. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of the duck, while the cherry notes in the glaze echo the fruit profile of the 2024 vintage.
Ingredients:
- 2 Duck breasts (skin-on)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- Salt and cracked black pepper
Instructions:
The Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cherries, balsamic, honey, and rosemary. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until the cherries have broken down into a syrupy glaze. Set aside.
The Duck: Score the skin of the duck breasts in a diamond pattern. Place them skin-side down in a cold pan, then turn the heat to medium. This renders the fat slowly, ensuring a crispy skin.
The Sear: Cook for 6–8 minutes on the skin side until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes for medium-rare.
The Rest: Let the duck rest for 5 minutes (this is crucial for juiciness!).
Serve: Slice the duck, drizzle generously with the cherry balsamic glaze, and serve alongside a lightly chilled glass of Taylor Made Pinot Noir.
A final tip for the table. While we usually think of red wine at room temperature, this Pinot Noir truly sings when served slightly chilled (around 14-16°C). It tightens the fruit profile and makes it the ultimate refreshing red for a long lunch or a festive dinner.
