The 2020 Taaibosch Crescendo is a polished, layered red blend from the slopes of the Helderberg, where ocean breezes and old vines shape its character. Led by Cabernet Franc with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in support, it delivers notes of dark plum, herbs, mocha, and a subtle smokiness. Fine-grained tannins and gentle winemaking give it a graceful texture and a long, focused finish.

The Wine Advocate | RP 93
Published: Jun 5, 2025
Drink: 2024-2032

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.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 93
Published: May 9, 2024

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.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 16.5
Published: Sep 23, 2024
Drink: 2024-2029

Cabernet Franc dominated with Merlot and a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon. 25% new oak. On skins for a month. 2020 was a warmer, more generous vintage than 2019.
More velvety, more rounded and sweeter than the 2019. A wider mesh of tannins. More herbs, less minerals. Dark plums and damsons, a dab of mocha. This has generosity but I can't help loving the 2019 a little bit more.

Taaiboschwines.com

Minimal intervention is preferred throughout our vinification process. Once handpicked, our grapes are carefully transferred to our cellar. Pods are then utilised for gentle gravitational movement within the cellar environment. This ultimately leads to wines with a refined tannin structure, balance, tension and longevity, not only in taste but also with bottle maturation.

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.

VINTAGE | 2020

Alc. 13.5 %

20 years and older vines

Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

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