Tim Atkin | TA 98
Published: MW South Africa 2022

Could Schalk-Willem Joubert do it again in 2019 after such an impressive maiden release? You bet he could and he has even improved on that predecessor. This is more precise and nuanced, presenting a seamless assemblage of Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from the windy western corner of the Helderberg. Complex, layered and restrained, with perfumed 35% new wood, graphite, red berry, blackcurrant leaf and tarragon flavours and fresh, sea breeze-kissed finish. 2024-35 

The Wine Advocate | RP 91+
Published: Jul 31, 2023

Mostly Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Crescendo Red Blend begins with an herbal and dusty red-fruited nose that offers graphite notes and soft brown baking spices. Medium-bodied, the wine is lively in the mouth, with balanced oak and fruit flavors that integrate seamlessly together, offering a balanced structure with fine-grained tannins and succulent acidity. The wine continues to evolve, offering up dusty and spicy essences before ending with a lingering, tannic edge. Give it one more year in the bottle and drink through the decade's end. It’s nicely made and brings me back for another sip. Drink Date: 2024 - 2030

Winemaker

Minimal intervention is preferred throughout our vinification process. Once handpicked, our grapes are carefully transferred to our cellar. Pods are then utilised for gentle gravitational movement within the cellar environment. This ultimately leads to wines with a refined tannin structure, balance, tension and longevity, not only in taste but also with bottle maturation.

This classical wine has remained true to its composition since it was first produced in the 1990's. A Bordeaux blend of note, dominated by Cabernet franc, amplified by Merlot and complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon.

All grapes on the estate are hand-picked. Once received in the cellar, the grapes are gently transferred by means of gravity to both stainless steel and cement vessels for fermentation. A period of cold soaking follows, which enables rich extraction of colour, elegant aromas and bright flavour. Extended maceration follows at the conclusion of fermentation, which assists in providing the wine with soft texture, increased colour intensity and complexity.

Our wine is matured in a combination of 225 liters oak barrels, 9000 liters Foudre vessels and traditional 4500 liters cement tanks for a period of three years. These different vessels each add a multitude of elements to the wine, ranging from fruity character to subtle wood influences. These elements are brought selectively together to form a harmonious whole, during the winemaking process.

Alc. 13.5 %
pH 3.59
Rs 2.7 g/l
20 years and older vines
Wine of Origin Stellenbosch
65% Cabernet Franc | 26% Merlot | 9% Cabernet Sauvignon