This majestic estate is situated at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain, with panoramic views stretching to Cape Point, Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Stellenbosch Hills. Here the vineyards are planted at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level, facing False Bay to the South West. It is this unique location and positioning which provides the vineyards with the gentle cooling sea breezes, which enables optimal slow ripening during the summer months.

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.

THE MOST PROFOUND STELLENBOSCH RELEASE OF THE DECADE?

Profound, poised and authentic, this maiden release is the most exciting new project to come out of Stellenbosch in a decade. The Taaibosch 2018 Crescendo continues the legacy of the famed Cordoba Crescendo of the late ‘90s. It is the ultimate expression of high-altitude Cabernet Franc from prime Helderberg terroir, backed by visionary international investment and crafted by Schalk-Willem Joubert (ex-Rupert & Rothschild).

The 2018 Crescendo impresses us with its purity, complexity and finesse – it is simply exquisite. As refined as any Bordeaux in this class, at even three times the price, it is bound to become super-collectable in decades to come. This is a rare chance to be an early adopter of what is set be the perfect continuation of the legendary Cordobas of the past.

A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, it was matured in a combination of 225L oak barrels, 9,000L foudre and traditional 4,500L cement tanks. Having taken the original Cordoba vineyards as inspiration, which proved Cabernet Franc’s success, this harmoniously-crafted wine simply blew us away!

Taaibosch was established by the Oddo family whose global wine vision celebrates authenticity above all else. Schalk-Willem has the perfect partners in Pascal, Lorraine and Bertrand Oddo, who brings his previous experience as wine division manager at Edmond de Rothschild. Their wine business centres around unique global terroirs, including Sancerre, Provence, Stellenbosch and Sicily. Their local partners are crucial in securing a long-term aesthetic.

Custodianship is valued over impact and no expense is spared in the vineyard to ensure immaculate fruit with a light footprint on the environment. Organic principles are followed and their sustainable approach includes dedicated fynbos rehabilitation. This project is vinous at its core and set to scale new heights for SA wine.

WINEMAKER’S NOTES

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.

VINIFICATION & MATURATION

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.

ANALYSIS

Alc. 13.5 %

pH 3.57

Rs 3.7 g/l

20 years and older vines

Wine of Origin Stellenbosch

43% Cabernet Franc | 36% Merlot | 21% Cabernet Sauvignon