2021, Pym-Rae, (Tesseron Estate), NAPA VALLEY, USA

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc.

After searching for the right terroir for four years, the Tesseron family of Chateau Pontet-Canet purchased Pym-Rae in January 2016, an exceptional vineyard in Napa Valley. Named by the late owner, comedian Robin Williams, "Pym-Rae" combines both middle names of his first two children.  Tesseron respectfully decided not to change it. Planted 30 years ago, the vineyard of Pym-Rae was already in a very good condition.  Among the 653 acres (260 ha) of Pym-Rae’s property, only 18.4 acres (7 ha) are planted with vines. The parcels are ideally located in the cooler Mount Veeder hills.  

The 2021 Pym-Rae bursts with bold notes of crème de cassis and blueberry compote, followed by hints of dark chocolate, liquorice, menthol, and Chinese five spice. The dense, full-bodied palate shimmers with tremendous energy and freshness, supported by firm, fine-grained tannins and great tension, finishing long and opulent.
100/100 Lisa-Perrotti Brown.

The 2021 Pym-Rae is brought up in equal parts new oak and concrete, à la Château Pontet-Canet. This is a beautifully classic mountain Cabernet that needs air to show at its best today. Deep ruby/plum-hued, it offers classy notes of cassis, currants, scorched earth, iron, tobacco, and smoky herbs. Medium to full-bodied, with a broad yet focused, layered mouthfeel, it has plenty of tannins and a terrific finish. Give bottles 5-7 years in the cellar, and it should cruise to its 30th birthday with ease. Gorgeously pure, balanced, and classically styled, it’s a flawless expression of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. 2030 - 2055.
98 Jeb Dunnuck.

The blackberry, graphite, blueberry, oyster shell, bark and pine needle aromas are intense and very pretty. A real sense of forest fruit to this. Medium-bodied with pretty transparency and ultra-fine tannins that melt into the wine. Racy at the end. Polished is the word. Very drinkable now, but better in two or three years.
98 James Suckling.

Dark berry colour, with a swirl of cocoa bean, sage, violet, lavender, cassis, freshly cut herbs, slate-textured tannins, providing relief and contrast to the supple and silky fruits, with a fresh crushed mint finish. Annouck Morel d'Arleux assistant technical director now joined Mathieu as of 2024. Julien Viaud and Michel Rolland consultants. First full year with Jerome Ledit as winemaker, third vintage of being certified biodynamic.
95 Jane Anson.