Le Chant current releases

The Oddo family’s entry into the South African wine scene is carefully conceived –the Helderberg property that was previously Cordoba and is now Taaibosch will only make one wine, the Cabernet Franc-based red blend called Crescendo, volumes necessarily limited due to total plantings capped at some 25ha (current vintage 2019 selling for R380 a bottle).

Underpinning their business endeavours is a rosé from a dedicated property just below Taaibosch under the Pink Valley label (current vintage 2021 selling for R150) while big things are expected from the red blend that is Le Chant – property has been acquired in Polkadraai Hills and the target is 500 000 bottles in due course. Head winemaker Schalk Joubert was previously at Rupert & Rothschid, where he had a hand in producing the juggernaut that is Classique and clearly the importance of scaling is not lost on him.

Le Chant Rouge 2019
Price: R225
38% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Shiraz and 2% Sangiovese. Matured for 12 months in French oak of which 5% was new before a further 12 months in a combination of cement tanks and foudre. Cherry, cassis and prominent spice on the nose while the palate is medium bodied with good freshness and an uncompromisingly dry finish.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Le Chant Blanc 2021
Price: R185
From 0.85ha block of Chenin Blanc planted in 1985. Matured for 12 months, 60% in stainless steel tank and 40% in old oak. Pear, quince and peach on the nose while the palate is lean and poised – great clarity of fruit, bright acidity and a pithy finish.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.