Taaibosch Crescendo 2021
By Christian Eedes, 17 July 2025
-
Share:
9
Crescendo, the Cabernet Franc-led blend originally made by Chris Keet off what was then Cordoba on the Helderberg, earned near-instant cult status following its maiden 1995 release. Production subsequently lapsed, but the project was revived when the Oddo family of France acquired the property in 2017, renaming it Taaibosch and appointing Schalk-Willem Joubert – formerly of Rupert & Rothschild – to carry forward Keet’s legacy. It ranks as one of the more consequential fine wine ventures in South Africa of late.
The 2021 vintage, due for release in two months’ time, suggests that all involved are laying solid foundations for something truly great. A blend of 54% Cabernet Franc, 33% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, the individual components were matured for 12 months in barrel, of which 30% was new before blending and a further 12 months in concrete tank and foudre.
The nose is extremely fragrant with notes of rose, red berries, and dried herbs while the palate shows clarity of fruit, vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins. Alcohol is a moderate 13.5% and the wine is intricate with good drive – it has the comparative lightness and finesse that very much defined the wines that Keet made some three decades ago. Price: R445 a bottle.
CE’s rating: 93/100.
Check out our South African wine ratings database.
-
Share:
Jos | 17 July 2025
Hi Christian, not that 93 is a poor rating, but the text in the review indicates that it’s better than 93. What is lacking compared to, say, First Verse which you rated considerable higher?
Greg Sherwood | 17 July 2025
For the record, the winemaker himself describes the 2021 as one of the finest wines he’s ever made! Go figure!
Greg Sherwood | 17 July 2025
Again, I think Christian, like many critics to be fair, has been fooled by the lithe, sinewy sleek elegance and freshness of this 2021 – wines that trade in precision and focus, not raw horse power and muscle. I look forward to tasting these 2021s in 10 years time and hearing all the critics admit they got the vintage and scores wrong. Asking forgiveness is easy… I’ll post my review soon. Needless to say, I didn’t score it 93! 😉
Jos | 17 July 2025
How does the Cape 2021 compare to Bordeaux 2021? From a weather conditions perspective, it seems relatively close? Wines from that vintage are deemed inferior to the lauded 2022 vintage that was hotter and dryer in comparison. Are our 2021’s not more similar to Bordeaux 2021’s, or am I way off base?
Kwispedoor | 17 July 2025
Certainly an interesting one, Greg. The young Chateau Libertas 2024 recently achieved exactly the same rating, at less than a fifth of the price.
Christian Eedes | 17 July 2025
Thanks all for the lively engagement.
To Greg’s point: Yes, 2021 was a standout vintage for Stellenbosch – cool and slow ripening and favouring finesse over force, which suits the Taaibosch idiom. The new release has elegance but maybe not profundity. Precision and freshness are certainly there – but I find it just a little too polite, a little too tentative as I do all vintages to date. That said, I’m quite sure that this is a property on an upward trajectory.
To Jos: I haven’t had sufficient exposure to Bordeaux 2021 to make a meaningful comparison with Stellenbosch from the same year – the joys of being a South African wine writer earning in rand…
Kwispedoor: Recent renditions of Chateau Libertas continue to overdeliver, no question. But comparisons based purely on price obscure more than they reveal. One wine trades on legacy and wants to succeed as a fast-moving consumer good, the other on intent and wants to be seen as ultra-premium – different propositions.
And on First Verse: it’s simply more complete at this point. More gravitas, more harmony, more resonance across nose, palate and finish.
Finally, winemakers tend to punt the vintage that they still must sell. I’d expect nothing less than enthusiasm for the 2021 from Mr Joubert.
Greg Sherwood | 17 July 2025
Not so Christian. Schalk was punting the 2021 early in barrel when he was in London launching the acclaimed 2019 vintage still. I had already tasted the 2020 from barrel with him so new it was a more gentle, accessible, earlier drinking wine. He has always maintained… “wait for the 2021… probably the finest wine I have ever made… and might ever make in my career.” Hardly an example of “sell the current release syndrome”… which does of course happen, like every year in Bordeaux! Last thing I would add is that the wine is still super young, at almost 4 years old, something more comparable with top Bordeaux Cru Classe wines than the rest of SA or USA.
keith | 19 July 2025
The 2019 is excellent and I am slowly getting through a 12 bottle case although in no hurry as I am sure it will improve with ten years plus bottle age . Looking forward to tasting the 2021
Cheers Keith
Johan | 28 July 2025
I had the pleasure of tasting the new 2021 vintage of Taaibosch on Saturday, and I must say, it left a lasting impression. The high percentage of Cabernet Franc really shines, giving the wine remarkable character. The tannins are soft yet precise, and that signature chalky texture on the palate — reminiscent of the standout 2018 maiden vintage — is very much present. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it’s only going to get better with time!
P.S. I’d personally give the Taaibosch a 96 — just my take! 🍷