April 28, 2025
97pts Taaibosch Crescendo 2020 – A Must-Have for South African Wine Fans
Taaibosch Crescendo 2020
“There have arguably been few more exciting new releases on the South African wine scene recently than the resurrection of the fabled Crescendo Cape Bordeaux red blend by winemaker Schalk Willem Joubert and the team at Taaibosch” - Greg Sherwood MW
Taaibosch Crescendo is one of the most exciting Bordeaux-style wines emerging from Stellenbosch’s revered Helderberg region. It must surely be one of the most captivating stories to emerge from the Cape winelands in the past decade—the resurrection of one of South Africa’s most famous wines, the Cordoba Crescendo, originally made legendary by Chris Keet in the mid to late 1990s. For many, drinking a bottle of Crescendo 1995 ranked among the pinnacles of local fine wine experiences—until the winery suddenly disappeared.
Now, under the guidance of winemaker Schalk-Willem Joubert, the legacy has been revived with extraordinary precision. As Greg Sherwood MW notes, “There have arguably been few more exciting new releases on the South African wine scene recently than the resurrection of the fabled Crescendo Cape Bordeaux red blend by winemaker Schalk Willem Joubert and the team at Taaibosch.” Grown on the cool, rocky slopes of the Helderberg, the vineyards benefit from altitude, sea breezes, and maritime soils, which lend finesse and freshness to the wines.
The Crescendo blend—led by Cabernet Franc, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon—is vinified with a light touch, prioritising purity over power. Silky tannins, floral aromatics, and vibrant fruit define the style. Though it honours the past, Taaibosch is firmly focused on the future, now considered one of South Africa’s most exciting fine wine estates.
Fermentation takes place in a mix of cement tanks and stainless steel, followed by full malolactic conversion in 100% cement. Once the base blend is assembled, the wine spends 13 months ageing in 225-litre French oak barriques, with around 30% new oak. After this, 70% of the wine is transferred to large oak foudres for a further 12 to 13 months, while the remaining 30% continues ageing in cement tanks to preserve freshness.
We are very excited to present the 2020 vintage, the third release of this remarkable wine. Scoring 97 points from Tim Atkin MW and offered at just €24.95* IB per bottle, this is extraordinary value for a wine of such pedigree and precision. With its roots in one of South Africa’s greatest fine wine stories and its future firmly secured, Taaibosch Crescendo 2020 is a must-have for any serious cellar. Don't miss the chance to secure it while you can.
Taaibosch Crescendo 2020
€24.95* In Bond per bottle
97 Points | Tim Atkin MW
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 Points | Vinous, Neal Martin
The 2020 Crescendo contains more Merlot and less Cabernet Franc this vintage because one vat was picked too ripe—winemaker Shalk Joubert felt that it risked altering the style of the wine too much. It matured in 25% new oak for 14 months, then went into 75% foudres and 25% cement for a year. It has a glorious, wonderfully delineated bouquet with ebullient cranberry and raspberry scents, hints of dark chocolate and a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied and pure with slightly grainy tannins and minty red fruit, beautifully balanced with a svelte and harmonious finish. Very stylish, this is a classy Stellenbosch Bordeaux blend that represents outstanding value for the money.