Tesseron Estate Pym-Rae 2016

Nestled within the breathtaking landscape of Napa Valley, Pym-Rae Estate is more than just a vineyard; it is a testament to the harmonious encounter between a winemaking family and a singular terroir. Rooted in a perpetual quest for balance and guided by a reverence for nature, Pym-Rae Estate epitomizes the timeless pursuit of crafting wines of depth, balance, and freshness. 

For the Tesseron family, owners of the esteemed Pontet-Canet estate, the journey to Pym-Rae Estate began with a search for a place of exceptional quality and potential. Their quest led them to Napa Valley, where they discovered the Mount Veeder region—a place of cool, high-altitude vineyards and sedimentary soils enriched by millions of years of history. It was here that Pym-Rae Estate found its home, amidst the gentle slopes and precipitous terrain that define the region.

In January 2016, the Tesseron family acquired Villa Sorriso, the former property of the beloved actor Robin Williams. Inspired by the actor's connection to the land and his dedication to his family, the Tesserons chose to continue the legacy of the estate by christening their wines with the middle names of Williams' children: "PYM" and "RAE." This heartfelt tribute reflects the family's deep respect for the land and its previous owners. 

At Pym-Rae Estate, the cultivation of vines is viewed as a natural, handmade approach that prioritizes the symbiotic relationship between vineyard and winegrower. Drawing inspiration from their experience at Pontet-Canet, the Tesserons have embraced biodynamic principles, adapting them to the unique terroir of Napa Valley. This intimate and humble approach to winemaking is characterized by a profound respect for nature and a meticulous attention to detail.

In the cellar, the wine of Pym-Rae brims with energy and freshness, reflecting the meticulous care bestowed upon the vines in the vineyard. Each detail is carefully considered to reveal the potential of this rare terroir, resulting in wines of depth, balance, and freshness. From the vines tended like a botanical garden to the cellar resembling a secret cave, Pym-Rae Estate is a testament to the artistry and passion of the Tesseron family.

"A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Pym-Rae displays a deep garnet-purple color and reveals wonderfully fragrant notes of candied violets, wilted roses, damp soil and black tea over a core of red and black currants, black cherries and warm blackberries plus touches of cigar box and camphor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is evocatively singular, offering that rock-solid structure of mountain fruit, yet these are wonderfully ripe, silt-like tannins that beautifully support the elegant red and black fruit layers, finishing very long and very perfumed." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (10/29/2018), Ratings: 97, Drink: 2020-2048

 "The 2016 Pym-Rae comes from an estate on Mount Veeder and is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, all aged in 70% new French oak and the balance in concrete vats. The first vintage for this cuvée, it's named after the original estate owner's children, Pym and Rae, which were their middle names. The 2016 is a beautiful wine and has a unique, rich, meaty character as well as lots of dark fruits, mountain scrub brush, tobacco, and leather that develops nicely with time in the glass, showing more and more fruit and purity with air. Full-bodied, nicely concentrated, and textured, it has a mass of tannins, beautiful mid-palate depth, and a solid spine of acidity that keeps it lively and fresh. It offers pleasure today yet is going to benefit from 5-7 years in the cellar. My money is on it evolving for 25-30 years." - Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com, Rating: 96+, Drink: 2026-2058