Taaibosch Crescendo 2020 Bottle size: 750ml

‘The price of Taaibosch has gone up by 25%, but it's still a comparative bargain in its peer group. A red that has established an enviable reputation in just three vintages, this sings of its site on the corner of the Helderberg. Partnering Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, it's another triumph from Schalk-Willem Joubert. Elegant, detailed and refreshing, it's a wine that doesn't seem to be trying too hard, with graphite, fynbos and sea breeze aromas, subtle 30% new wood and a layered palate of fresh herbs, cassis and black cherry. 2025-35’ – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2023, 97/100

'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. 2025-2045' - Neal Martin, Vinous, 94/100 ‘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. 2024-2029’ – Tamlyn Currin, JancisRobinson.com, 16.5/20