Taaibosch Crescendo

Nice fruit, good length. I like this.

No score as I had a filthy cold, but this hit the spot nonetheless. Good concentration, intensity and length, without being over the top. No appreciation of subtleties in current state, but this went down very well with a half leg of lamb pricked with garlic, rosemary and anchovies. Classy.

2020 Taaibosch Crescendo. The colour is a medium garnet red, with evidence of maturity at the rim. The nose was cherry and plum, with tobacco and herbs. The acidity was a bit prominent at first, and it made the wine disjointed. It didn’t take long for this to come together and flesh out. Very enjoyable, and happy to have them, but the 2018 was more striking, and I am clinging onto my 2019s and 21s. Edit, after a couple of …

A cosseting, velvety delight - you can certainly tell there's a decent slug of Merlot in here to soften the Franc. The bouquet is right on the cusp of the two grapes, with green leafiness and damp earth meeting cocoa and broad plummy fruit. There's pleasing structure on the palate, the density of fruit covering a fair amount of sinewy tannin, and bright berryish acidity on the finish. I'm surprised this is already so approachable, but I really don't mind!

https://www.gall.nl/taaibosch-crescendo--rood-75cl-465992.html Klassieke Bordeauxblend uit Stellenbosch, Zuid-Afrika. Complexe geur van rijk rood fruit, specerijen, wat cederhout. Elegante keuze voor een mooi diner met rosbief of een stoofpot. Maar hij gaat ook goed samen met risotto en bijvoorbeeld harde, pittige kazen zoals Hollandse oude kaas. "De klassieke Bordeaux-blend bestaat in dit geval uit 49% cabernet franc, 36% merlot, 15% cabernet sauvignon. De wijngaarden liggen op bijna 400 meter boven zeeniveau en dankzij een regelmatige frisse wind van zee krijgen de druiven de …

Walkabout tasting, no detailed notes. Lovely dark fruit with tell tale CabFranc pyrazines but too much oak, an issue I still have with almost all Bordeaux blends from RSA today.

Terroir-istes New World - Sauvignon Semillon-Cool Climate (Cape Town - Las Cases) : (Tasted Blind) Mid+ garnet in colour with expressive aromas of blackcurrant, dry earth, black plum, brushed with dried herbs, with a gentle waft of wood smoke. A glossy and creamy entry guided by a fresh acid spine and finely etched tannins that gradually become grippier with air. Dark chocolate, cassis, and plum lend some flesh to the mid-palate, and a subtle green edge—perhaps from youthful Cabernet Franc …

Possibly I should have waited longer with this ‘souvenir‘. The first impression left me somewhat cold. It seemed more rounded on a second try being 2 days open - sealed (Vacuvin) and stored in a cool place. Overall very good and enjoyable but not at the level to seek this one out from Europe.

South Africa tasting - NLWSTG (Must & Lees, N1) : This really sung, liked it much more than I have in the past: it's very Cab Franc-y (!) - earthy, saturated, expressive - reminded me of the Joguet style in some ways. Not weighty- a really beautiful violet note, something candied. Super approachable and appealing with a lovely grip on the finish. Bought a few bottles.

Smart rather than delicious at this stage. Bordeaux-like in profile though t was only after 3 nights that the fruit started to shine clearly as cab franc. Only medium weight but the presence to make me think that this will age well.

deep ruby Pronounced nose, dark ripe fruit, herbal med + acidity, high fine tannins, full bodied , med + finish keep in bottle for another 3 to , years

TWS South Africa Tasting 2024 (Lord's) : Maybe this is coming round now? Not tried it for a year or so, and it's less of a structure monster. Quite pulpy, leafy and cedar - the oak is quite flashy but in a fun way. Tannins definitely still punchy but it's becoming more approachable

New oak in the nose. Crisp black berry flavours and lots of yummy plum and blackberry. Tannins come out strong but well balanced. Very promising for teas to come.

This was young and needs 5-10 years. More tannins than the 2018 and 2020 vintage. Lots of red berries, cassis, black cherry, cedar. Will have a great future.

Lay & Wheeler South Africa tasting (Glazier's Hall) : More weight, breadth and richness than the '19 Crescendo. Lots of freshening acidity and tannin but just a slight lack of precision.