2019 Tesseron Estate, Pym-Rae Red, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California, USA
Critics reviews
This is the first release of the 2019 vintage, a little later than many in Napa, reflecting this unusual site which gives concentration and structure in spades. Even at four years old this is just beginning to soften, and I recommend a long carafe if approaching soon (it was even better 24 hours after opening for example). Easily the best vintage that they have released since the inaugural 2016, capturing the general freshness and balance of 2019 Napa, and an increasing confidence with these mountain tannins at this stunning Mount Veeder property.
This is beautifully fragrant, vivid with anis, fennel, sage, blueberry and cassis fruits, ecualyptus and mint leaf. Muscular, as is always the case with Pym-Rae, with more contrast and light than the supremely powerful 2018. This is definitely a wine that you can put away for a good few decades. Great job Jerome Ledit, the 'winemaker, vineyard manager, cowboy' as they describe him. Frst vintage to be certified organic and biodynamic.
Vinified in concrete tanks, with ageing between concrete (40%), and the rest in French new oak barrels. Michel Rolland and Julien Viaud consultants.
Drink 2027 - 2050
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, JaneAnson.com (August 2023)
From Alfred Tesseron’s (owner of Pontet Canet in Pauillac) estate on Mount Veeder, the 2019 Pym Rae is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple-black coloured, it requires a fair bit of swirling before it charges out of the gate with bold notes of crème de cassis, black cherry compote, and blueberry pie, followed by suggestions of clove oil, lilacs, liquorice, and tar, plus a spicy waft of cumin seed.
The full-bodied palate delivers beguiling energy from the brightness of fruit, bursting with fragrant floral notes, minerally sparks, and exotic spices. It has a taut backbone of invigorating acidity, matched by firm, ripe, grainy tannins, supporting the epic, long, multi-layered finish. This 2019 is the vinous definition of opulence. This is the first vintage certified organic and biodynamic.
Only about 20,000 bottles were made and will be released in autumn 2023.
Drink 2026 - 2066
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (August 2023)
Extremely aromatic with flowers, currants, plums, and cocoa. Full-bodied with compacted fruit and ultra-fine tannins giving it a suppleness and finesse, yet it’s very structured and long. Turns to sandalwood, hazelnut and subtle currants. Round and velvety texture at the end. Slightly deeper and denser.
55% new French barrels and 45% concrete eggs for 18 months. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc and 5% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Needs four or five years. An excellent mountain wine from the family owners of Pontet Canet.
Try after 2026
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (August 2023)
About this WINE
Tesseron Estate
Acquired by the Tesseron family in 2016, Tesseron Estate, also known as Villa Sorriso, has a unique and heartwarming connection to the famous actor Robin Williams, who once owned the property. In honour of his legacy and the love he had for his children, the Tesserons decided to preserve the vineyard’s history by naming their wines after the middle names of Robin Williams’ children, “PYM” and “RAE.”
Located in the Napa Valley of California, Tesseron Estate was carefully chosen by the Tesseron family due to its exceptional reputation and potential. However, they didn’t settle for just any spot in the valley. They sought a location combining the valley’s generous climate with locally cool conditions. This led them to choose a high-altitude vineyard in the Mount Veeder region.
The soil was one of the critical factors for producing the deep and balanced wines that the Tesserons desired. They needed sedimentary soils with historic marine deposits that had gradually evolved over millions of years. Mount Veeder offered these ideal soil conditions, enabling the vines to thrive and produce exceptional grapes.
The choice of grape varieties was crucial, and the Tesserons decided to plant Bordeaux varieties, drawing from their expertise with these grapes at Pontet Canet. To ensure the highest quality of grapes, the Tesserons also recognised the importance of mature vines. This dedication to vine maturity would result in full, complex wines that reflect the vineyard’s unique characteristics.
Cabernet Sauvignon blend
Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.
In St-Emilion and Pomerol, the blends are Merlot dominated as Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen there - when it is included, it adds structure and body to the wine. Sassicaia is the most famous Bordeaux blend in Italy and has spawned many imitations, whereby the blend is now firmly established in the New World and particularly in California and Australia.
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Description
This is the first release of the 2019 vintage, a little later than many in Napa, reflecting this unusual site which gives concentration and structure in spades. Even at four years old this is just beginning to soften, and I recommend a long carafe if approaching soon (it was even better 24 hours after opening for example). Easily the best vintage that they have released since the inaugural 2016, capturing the general freshness and balance of 2019 Napa, and an increasing confidence with these mountain tannins at this stunning Mount Veeder property.
This is beautifully fragrant, vivid with anis, fennel, sage, blueberry and cassis fruits, ecualyptus and mint leaf. Muscular, as is always the case with Pym-Rae, with more contrast and light than the supremely powerful 2018. This is definitely a wine that you can put away for a good few decades. Great job Jerome Ledit, the 'winemaker, vineyard manager, cowboy' as they describe him. Frst vintage to be certified organic and biodynamic.
Vinified in concrete tanks, with ageing between concrete (40%), and the rest in French new oak barrels. Michel Rolland and Julien Viaud consultants.
Drink 2027 - 2050
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, JaneAnson.com (August 2023)
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