TAAIBOSCH, CRESCENDO
STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA 2019
Why It's Special: You'd be hard put to distinguish this varietally-pure, 98-point Bordeaux blend from Stellenbosch, South Africa from a Bordeaux in France that costs two and maybe three times as much. The fact we're able to offer it at 15% OFF – for just under $34 a bottle – makes this a phenomenal deal, and is a testament to the Stellenbosch region, one of the great and enduring values of the wine world.
What They're Saying: Tim Atkin, who raved about the maiden Crescendo release of 2018, was even more laudatory of the 2019, calling it "more precise and nuanced," a "complex, layered and restrained" wine with a "fresh, sea breeze-kissed finish."
The Story: In 2016, the Oddo family – owner of Piton Sancerre and Vallon des Glauges in France and Serra Ferdinand in Sicily (a partnership with the legendary Planeta) – purchased the estate, which dates to 1831, and built a state-of-the-art cellar. It also re-christened itself, going from Cordoba (producer of some of the most-coveted South African cult wines of the '90s) to Taiibosch. Under the direction of cellar master Schalk-Willem Joubert, its practices are unimpeachable – from organic farming to handpicking all of its grapes to thinking sensitively and deeply about the particular needs of each of its wines. The majority of its vines are 20-years old, and sit on Malmesbury shale, setting it apart from other estates in the region and contributing to the wine’s depth and strength. Taiibosch is further blessed by its high elevation, and the superb quality of soil, generally, in the Helderberg region. In other words, this is exceptional terroir, and a large part of what makes these wines so memorable.
The Specs: A blend of, primarily, Cabernet Franc, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot making up the rest, it was treated to an extended period of maceration that softened its texture, intensified its color, and deepened its complexity. From there it aged for three years, in a combination of oak barrels, Foudre vessels, and cement tanks – each unit of storage imparting a different quality to the wine.
Our Tasting Notes: The purity of fruit is striking, and the wine holds a delicious tension, giving its size and concentration a wonderful counter-balance. The tannins are supporting but soft, and the finish is elegant and long.
ABV: 13.5%
Fun Fact: The cellar system at Taaibosch uses gravitational flow, to allow for gentle handling of the grapes and juice throughout the first phase of vinification.
What to Pair It With: Tarragon and thyme-roasted chicken; hummus with lamb; chicken tagine; lentil soup.
Our Guarantee: We always buy direct and only source direct, so rest assured – your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2023. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, June 4th, 2023.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
