Viniou Reviews
Taaibosch's Cuvée Crescendo 2020 is a fine South African red blend hailing from the prestigious Stellenbosch region, situated within the Coastal Region. This cuvée is inspired by the great Bordeaux blends, typically comprising Cabernet Franc as the prominent grape, supported by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, although the exact proportions may vary each vintage. The 2020 vintage benefited from favourable conditions, helping the grapes reach optimal maturity while retaining elegance and freshness. The winemaking philosophy at Taaibosch combines modern precision with respect for the traditional expression of the terroir: hand-picking the fruit, gentle extraction methods, and maturation in French oak barrels to craft a wine known for its finesse as much as its complexity. In the glass, Cuvée Crescendo offers aromatic layers of dark cherry, cassis, dried herbs, graphite, and floral undertones, with well-integrated tannins and a lingering, harmonious finish.
Stellenbosch is widely regarded as South Africa’s premier red wine region, lying just east of Cape Town. Its Mediterranean climate delivers warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, ensuring grapes ripen slowly and evenly. The soils here are varied, sandstone, granite, and decomposed shale, which contribute profound minerality and complexity to the wines. Viticulture in Stellenbosch has a rich history dating back to the late 17th century, with a focus on noble grape varieties and a reputation for producing world-class Bordeaux-style blends that combine New World fruit purity with Old World structure and ageing potential.
For food pairings, Cuvée Crescendo's elegant structure and complexity make it exceptionally versatile. It pairs beautifully with classic red meat dishes such as roast lamb with rosemary, beef short ribs, or herb-crusted venison. For a regional touch, try it alongside South African springbok fillet or a traditional bobotie. Mature cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda also highlight the wine’s layered aromas and refined texture.
To best appreciate its nuances, serve this wine at 16-18°C, ideally after allowing it to breathe in a decanter for at least an hour. The 2020 vintage shows wonderful approachability now but promises to evolve gracefully over the next decade.
