Southern Hemisphere Wine Center

Huntington Beach, CA est.1993

Taaibosch Crescendo 2020

Tasting Notes

For all lovers of South African red wine, in particular, its Cape Bordeaux blends, then Taaibosch’s Crescendo has to be something that must be given serious consideration. It may be a new name to many but back in the 1990’s the property from which the Crescendo is sourced, was at the time producing a wine called Cordoba, which was somewhat of a cult wine in South Africa at that time. For whatever reason the owners of the property stopped making Cordoba wines, and it wasn’t until 2017 when the Oddo family, who were French wine specialists, purchased the steep-sloped Helderberg property. They established the single vineyard Taaibosch Crescendo label, and placed one of South Africa’s most respected winemakers, Schalk Willem Joubert, at the helm. Only in its 3rd vintage, Schalk with his impeccable reputation in the South African wine industry, has quickly made Taaibosch Crescendo one of that nation’s premiere red wine labels. The results have been impressive, which are reflected with strong critical acclaim in both South Africa and internationally. The wine is only released when it is felt to be ready, and will only be produced when the vintage is felt to be of world class quality. This is a terroir specific site producing world class wines. The idea is to produce a wine that is impeccably balanced and is more about refinement than power.

The 2020 Taaibosch Crescendo, a blend of 49% Cabernet Franc, 36% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, respectively, is the current release and it’s another stellar offering with years of great drinking in front of it.

Winery: Taaibosch

Region: South Africa, Stellenbosch

Varietal: Red Blend

SKU: TAACRED2020 Categories: Red, Red Blend

Bottle Size: 750 ml

$51.99

Awards/Reviews

97 pts Tim Atkin MW 2023
The price of Taaibosch has gone up by 25%, but it’s still a comparative bargain in its peer group. A red that has established an enviable reputation in just three vintages, this sings of its site on the corner of the Helderberg. Partnering Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s another triumph from Schalk-Willem Joubert. Elegant, detailed and refreshing, it’s a wine that doesn’t seem to be trying too hard, with graphite, fynbos and sea breeze aromas, subtle 30% new wood and a layered palate of fresh herbs, cassis and black cherry. 2025-35

93 pts James Suckling Top 100 South African Wines 2024 #69
This is a polished and creamy red showing aromas of chocolate, hazelnuts, baked plums and cherries. It’s layered and full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and a long, fresh and focused finish. Sustainable. Cabernet franc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold.

93 pts Wine Advocate June 2025
The Taaibosch 2020 Stellenbosch Crescendo is a blend of 49% Cabernet Franc, 36% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in a combination of foudre, 225-liter French oak barrel and cement egg. The 2020 is the third vintage released under the Taaibosch name. The wine reveals savory Cabernet aromas with medium-rich concentration, blackberry, exotic spice and hints of dry sage. A smoky side comes through with barbecue and campfire ash. The wine is elegant, and the fine tannins are well managed. All the fruit comes from the estate, and 40,000 bottles were made. 2024-2032

93 pts Vinous August 2024

4 ½ Stars 2024 John Platter’s South African Wine Guide
Refined, lithe & rewarding Cape Blend, showing leashed power in 20 (90 pts). Blend tweaked to add more cab to cab franc & merlot (49/36) partnership. Effortless mélange of fruitcake & cigarbox, subtle fynbos & cocoa. Elegant, dry & silky after 2 years in small & large oak, 30% new, & concrete ‘egg’.

Winemaker Notes

Taaibosch experienced improved post-harvest conditions in 2019 comparative to the two preceding years. Sufficient cold temperatures with adequate winter rains resulted in a favourable dormancy period in the vines. Low rainfall during spring ensured good, even bud break and homogeneous shoot growth. A mild summer followed. Weed control remained challenging due to the conversion to organic wine growing. Healthier vines and larger canopies led to an increased yield of 5%, without compromising quality.

This classical wine has remained true to its composition since it was first produced in the 1990’s. A Bordeaux blend of note, dominated by Cabernet franc, amplified by Merlot and complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon.

All grapes on the estate are hand-picked. Once received in the cellar, the grapes are gently transferred by means of gravity to both stainless steel and cement vessels for fermentation. A period of cold soaking follows, which enables rich extraction of colour, elegant aromas and bright flavour. Extended maceration follows at the conclusion of fermentation, which assists in providing the wine with soft texture, increased colour intensity and complexity.

Our wine is matured in a combination of 225 liters oak barrels, 9000 liters Foudre vessels and traditional 4500 liters cement tanks for a period of three years. These different vessels each add a multitude of elements to the wine, ranging from fruity character to subtle wood influences. These elements are brought selectively together to form a harmonious whole, during the winemaking process.

49% Cabernet Franc | 36% Merlot | 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

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