2019 Taaibosch Crescendo

The 2020 Crescendo is the third release from Taaibosch, a blend of 65% Cabernet Franc, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot. It is matured 13 months in 225-liter barriques (30% new) and then a further 12 months, 75% in foudres and 25% in cement. This beautifully defined bouquet offers perfumed black fruit laced with truffle and cedar, a touch of wild mint surfacing with time. The medium-bodied palate has more pliant tannins than the first two vintages, perhaps with a little more flesh and less austerity towards the finish that delivers slightly savory black fruit layers. Certainly, this represents one of the Cape's finest expressions of Cabernet Franc. Highly recommended.

60% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Smells juicy and fresh with masses of creamy red fruit and green tobacco leaf. The tannins have a sweet bitterness: gently steeped black tea leaves and tree bark. Tight structure but the balance is there. This has plenty of substance and will likely mature elegantly. (TC)

Mostly Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Crescendo Red Blend begins with an herbal and dusty red-fruited nose that offers graphite notes and soft brown baking spices. Medium-bodied, the wine is lively in the mouth, with balanced oak and fruit flavors that integrate seamlessly together, offering a balanced structure with fine-grained tannins and succulent acidity. The wine continues to evolve, offering up dusty and spicy essences before ending with a lingering, tannic edge. Give it one more year in the bottle and drink through the decade's end. It’s nicely made and brings me back for another sip.