We’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the acclaimed Taaibosch Crescendo 2021 – a wine that was held back for an extra year. The maiden 2018 took the world by storm (TA 97, GS 95 and Platter’s 5 stars), and the 2019 and 2020 were impressive to say the least. Even more refined, the 97-point 2021 vintage is bound to last for decades, yet still represents exceptional value.
The Taaibosch Crescendo continues the legacy of the Cordoba Crescendo, which was created by Chris Keet in the 1990s. Backed by international investment and reimagined by Schalk-Willem Joubert, it’s the ultimate expression of Helderberg Cabernet Franc, setting the bar even higher for future releases.
The 2021 is mineral to start, with crushed stone and tilled earth complexity, followed by layer upon layer of backward fruit that slowly evolves as the wine opens in your glass. The vintage is Cabernet Franc-driven, with 33% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon.
‘Cape Bordeaux blends from the 2021 vintage will in future be recognised as some of the best wines produced by the Cape industry to date, surpassing the heights of even 1995, 2009, 2015 and possibly even 2017.’ – Greg Sherwood MW
Taaibosch values custodianship and a sustainable approach. They rehabilitate fynbos and farm according to organic and biodynamic principles, ensuring a light footprint on the environment.
Tasting Notes:
‘A sleek, sophisticated blend of 62% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from Taaibosch yields up notes of earthy black currant, cedar spice, wet tobacco, tree bark, sun raisined red currant, dried herbs and subtle fynbos nuances. But it’s on the palate that the true pedigree of this classy blend reveals itself, where incredibly tight grained mineral tannins marry with bright, fresh, taut blue and black berry fruits, saline creme de cassis, sappy currants, damson plums and a mouth coating creamy mineral grip on the finish. Beautifully compact with pin point precise tannins balanced with a real sense of effortless harmony and purity. A simply astounding expression. Drink from 2026 to 2045+’ – Greg Sherwood MW, 97+/100
‘Schalk-Willem Joubert held back the latest vintage of Crescendo for another year, rightly reasoning that it needed more time in bottle. The latest in a superb, if short, run of releases from this revitalised Helderberg property, it’s a structured, well-balanced assemblage of Cabernet Franc, 31% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon. Leafy, focused and chiselled, with herbal undertones, sinewy tannins, subtle 30% new wood and flavours of black cherry, cranberry and dill. 2027-38’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2025, 97/100
