2020 Crescendo

Cabernet Franc dominated with Merlot and a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon. 25% new oak. On skins for a month. 2020 was a warmer, more generous vintage than 2019. More velvety, more rounded and sweeter than the 2019. A wider mesh of tannins. More herbs, less minerals. Dark plums and damsons, a dab of mocha. This has generosity but I can't help loving the 2019 a little bit more. (TC)

The 2020 Crescendo contains more Merlot and less Cabernet Franc this vintage because one vat was picked too ripe—winemaker Shalk Joubert felt that it risked altering the style of the wine too much. It matured in 25% new oak for 14 months, then went into 75% foudres and 25% cement for a year. It has a glorious, wonderfully delineated bouquet with ebullient cranberry and raspberry scents, hints of dark chocolate and a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied and pure with slightly grainy tannins and minty red fruit, beautifully balanced with a svelte and harmonious finish. Very stylish, this is a classy Stellenbosch Bordeaux blend that represents outstanding value for the money.

2020 was an easier vintage than 2019 – the wines are more open, says technical director Schalk-Willem Joubert. 65% Cabernet Franc, 26% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet Franc seems to be more forward than the 2019, but as Joubert suggests, the wine is a little more generous, the tannins a little broader and lush. Pencils and raspberries and wild plums. A touch of sweet spice on the end. Competent and rewarding. (TC)