TAAIBOSCH | Crescendo | 2019
cabernet franc | merlot | cabernet sauvignon

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Located in the Stellenbosch wine region, on the slopes of Mount Helderberg, the Taaibosch Estate, formerly known as Cordoba, covers 59 hectares of vines, planted at an altitude of approximately 300 meters above sea level. In this stellar region, the vineyards enjoy a unique terroir, with sandstone and granite soils rich in kaolinite, iron and aluminium oxides, causing the soil’s distinct red color. This creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of cabernet franc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon grape varieties.

The wine we are reviewing today hardly requires any introduction, as it is one of the most iconic wine labels from South Africa‘s famous Stellenbosch wine region – Crescendo 2019 by Taaibosch. This wine has remained true to its blending formula since it was first produced in the 1990’s – a harmonious blend of three grape varieties: cabernet franc (65%), merlot (26%) and cabernet sauvignon (9%), where cabernet franc forms the wine’s main body and structure, merlot enhances the wine’s color and adds up-front richness, while cabernet sauvignon brings black fruit flavors to the forefront and creates a more dynamic finish. Crescendo (which represents the highest point reached in a progressive increase of sound intensity) is intended to denote the ever growing wine’s quality and ambition of the Taaibosch Estate to craft some of the best wines in the world. In order to soften the tannins and gain a layer of extra complexity, the final blend has been aged for 3 years in a combination of 225 liters oak barriques, 9000 liters oak foudres and traditional 4500 liters cement tanks, with another 2 years of ageing in the bottle. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: medium-deep garnet color
clarity: hazy garnet shades on the rim

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & mature
fruit character: dried & dehydrated

On the first nose, this wine unveils a vibrant and intriguing fruit character that suggest a certain maturity. A wave of dried red fruit dominates the nose, reminiscent of dried sour cherry, dehydrated cranberry and overripe sweet cherries, that are supported by whispers of sun-dried oakwood, tobacco and dried figs, which add a layer of extra complexity. In the background, noble earthy tones emerge, reminiscent of clay and loam, that are supported by nuanced undertones of baking spice and dried herbs, like thyme, cloves and lavender, which add even more intrigue to the wine’s aromatic profile. This is a wine that speaks of age and complexity, mixing the ever appealing vibrancy of fruit with the finesse of oak-derived notes.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: fine
finish: long | aftertaste: bitter-seedy

The palate of the wine confirms the hints of maturity suggested by the nose. The flavors profile offers a mix of overripe and dehydrated red fruits, with notes of spice and earth emerging as well, supported by subtle hints of oak-derived flavours. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the fruit, keeping the wine lively yet struggles to match the noticeable alcoholic warmth that dominates the mid-palate. The tannins are present, slightly on the seedy side, leaving an appealing bitterness on the finish. Despite the alcoholic warmth, the mouthfeel feels surprisingly round and voluptuous, delivering a delightful ample character with a well structured backbone.

//Verdict
maturity: fully mature | do not age | drink today or within a year
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

All in all, this is a complex and well-structured wine blend with a delicate, terroir-driven accent that radiates that genuine rustic delicacy that only the best wines are capable to deliver. Despite some hints of seediness on the palate, the overall mouthfeel is surprisingly harmonious. While not every wine enthusiast might appreciate the wine’s mature character, this is a remarkable example of a balanced and well structured blend that showcases a fascinating interplay between power and finesse. We highly recommend this wine for those, who appreciate a taste of maturity and complexity in their reds.

//Scoring
TAAIBOSCH | Crescendo | 2019
variety: cabernet franc | merlot | cabernet sauvignon
country: South Africa
region: Stellenbosch
rating: 95.6
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This is definitely a great wine of South Africa and, with a total of 95.6 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Due to the wine’s complex and dehydrated flavor profile and its earthy tones, we would recommend to pair it with a rosemary beef tenderloin with wild mushroom and cream sauce. The delicacy of the beef tenderloin would complement the wine’s flavour complexity, while the earthy notes in the mushrooms and the rosemary notes would echo the dried herbs and earthy hints in the wine. In the same key, the soft texture of the cream sauce would counter-balance the bitter-seedy aftertaste of the wine, creating a harmonious combination of flavours and textures. This pairing would allow the wine’s mature and complex character to shine through, while allowing the flavored richness of the dish to elevate the entire tasting experience into the realms of excellence. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.