Wine lovers, take note! This is the wine from the once-renowned Crescendo estate. Crescendo wine was beloved worldwide and considered the Cheval Blanc (top winery from St. Emilion) of South Africa. Unfortunately, it grew too quickly, and winemaker Chris Keet disappeared from the face of the earth. In 2017, the entire Bay of Orange was turned upside down when the Oddo family purchased the estate and changed its name to Taaibosch. The legendary estate, with the very best vineyards in South Africa, was given the shorthand name Crescendo. This was to recognize Chris Keet's work, as the vineyard is truly unique and produces a full-bodied Bordeaux blend. The vineyard is now 21 years old and still located on the Helderberg. Moreover, this Taaibosch Crescendo has received a 5-star platter and a whopping 97 Tim Atkins points, so we can safely say this is a gem from Stellenbosch.
The old vineyard of Taaibosch Crescendo
When nature speaks, it does so with a whisper, a breeze blowing through the trees, and in the case of Taaibosch, with the subtle and elegant notes of a wine that tells its story through the glass. Taaibosch is more than just a wine; it is a symphony of flavors, aromas, and emotions, all cultivated from a unique patch of earth. The terroir of Taaibosch is unparalleled. This special region, blessed with rich soils and a favorable climate, produces grapes that offer a rare combination of power and refinement. Every glass of Taaibosch wine reveals layers of complexity that can only be achieved through the perfect interplay of soil, climate, and craftsmanship.
Wood storage for the Taaibosch Crescendo
This wine is aged for three years in a combination of 225-liter oak barrels, 9,000-liter Foudre barrels, and traditional 4,500-liter cement tanks. Each barrel uniquely contributes to the wine's character, ranging from fruity nuances to subtle oak notes. Throughout the winemaking process, these elements are carefully blended to create a harmonious whole.
The smell and taste of the Taaibosch Crescendo
Pouring this wine, one first notices its deep red hue, reminiscent of a sunset whose last rays set the sky ablaze. The bouquet unfolds slowly but decisively, revealing notes of ripe red fruit, subtle spices, and a hint of vanilla. A promise of what's to come. Then comes the moment of the first sip. This is where "crescendo" comes into play. Crescendo, in the musical sense, refers to a gradual increase in intensity or loudness. And that's precisely what Taaibosch achieves on the palate. The initial touch is soft and inviting, but what follows is a buildup of flavors that grow in intensity and complexity. Red fruit gives way to spicy notes, hints of leather and tobacco, and finally, a finish that is both long and memorable.
Taaibosch is a wine that demands time. Time to breathe, time to savor, and time to reflect. It's a wine that embodies the essence of its terroir, a vivid reminder of the place where it came from and the hands that crafted it. In Taaibosch, we find the magic of nature, the craftsmanship of winemaker Schalk-Willem Joubert, and the potential of time. It's a wine not just to be enjoyed, but also to be experienced. A wine that crescendos with every glass, every year, and every moment.
2019
