2016 Tesseron Estate Pym-Rae

The 2016 Tesseron Estate Pym-Rae is a commanding, high-altitude Napa Valley red that marries Bordeaux refinement with California power. Crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grown on Mount Veeder, it offers depth, perfume, and structure in equal measure. As the inaugural vintage under the ownership of the Tesseron family of Château Pontet-Canet, 2016 marks a new chapter for this historic estate while honoring its Robin Williams legacy.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 Pym-Rae shows a deep, opaque garnet-purple hue that hints at both concentration and youth. The nose unfolds in layers: candied violets, dried roses, and black tea mingle with damp earth and a touch of cigar box, all wrapped around a core of red and black currants, black cherries, and warm blackberries, with a subtle lift of camphor. On the palate, this is medium to full-bodied with a poised, almost architectural fruit structure. Elegant tiers of red and black fruit—cassis, dark cherry, and blackberry—are supported by fine-grained, polished tannins and a vibrant, persistent line of freshness. The finish is very long and highly perfumed, echoing its floral and tea-like nuances. Built for longevity, this 2016 has excellent aging potential and should continue to develop complexity over the next 10–20 years, gaining further tertiary notes of tobacco, leather, and forest floor with cellaring.

Production
The grapes for Pym-Rae come from vineyards perched around 500 meters above sea level on Mount Veeder in Napa Valley, where cooler temperatures, abundant sunshine, and well-drained mountain soils produce naturally low yields and concentrated fruit. The estate comprises just under 20 hectares of mature vines—approximately 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc—originally planted in 1990. Fruit is carefully harvested by hand to ensure optimal ripeness and selection. In the cellar, the lot-by-lot vinification allows each parcel and grape variety to express its character before blending, with fermentation and élevage tailored to preserve aromatic purity, refine tannins, and build structure, culminating in a wine that balances Napa richness with Old World elegance.

Food & Serving
This 2016 Pym-Rae shines alongside richly flavored dishes such as grilled or roasted lamb, dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, or venison with wild mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with truffle-infused dishes, roasted root vegetables, and hard, aged cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatics and structure. Decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended in its youth to allow the bouquet to fully open and the tannins to soften; with extended bottle age, a shorter decant to remove sediment will suffice.

Producer
Tesseron Estate Pym-Rae is the Napa Valley project of the Tesseron family, renowned owners of Château Pontet-Canet in Pauillac, Bordeaux. In 2016, Alfred Tesseron acquired the former Robin Williams vineyard and estate, recognizing its exceptional potential on Mount Veeder’s steep, high-elevation slopes. Renamed “Pym-Rae” in homage to the original vineyard name and to Williams’ children (Pym and Rae are their middle names), the estate bridges Old World expertise and New World terroir. With a heritage rooted in one of Bordeaux’s most respected châteaux, the Tesseron family brings meticulous vineyard care, a focus on purity of fruit, and a commitment to expressing site, positioning Pym-Rae as a rising star among Napa’s mountain wines.

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