Pym-Rae - Tesseron Vineyards Napa Valley

Pym-Rae is a wine estate situated on Mount Veeder in Napa Valley, California. Acquired by the Tesseron family in 2016, renowned for their ownership of Château Pontet-Canet in Bordeaux, the estate combines Old World winemaking traditions with the unique characteristics of Napa’s terroir. Dedicated to producing a single, exceptional Bordeaux-style red blend each year, Pym-Rae reflects both the history and innovation that define the Tesseron family's approach to viticulture.

Estate and Vineyard

The Pym-Rae vineyard is located at an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet, covering 18.53 acres planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The vines, which average 30 years of age, thrive in volcanic soils, benefiting from a unique microclimate that enhances the depth and complexity of the wines. Since its acquisition, the Tesseron family has transitioned the vineyard to biodynamic farming, emphasizing sustainability and a natural, minimal-intervention approach. This meticulous care results in wines that authentically reflect the vineyard’s terroir.

Winemaking Philosophy

Pym-Rae follows a philosophy of precision and restraint, allowing the vineyard’s characteristics to shine through. The estate employs traditional winemaking techniques, including manual grape sorting and small-batch vinification. Using 40 small concrete vats, each with a 10-hectoliter capacity, the winery vinifies individual parcels separately, preserving the distinct nuances of each lot. The resulting blend is aged in French oak barrels, carefully balancing power, freshness, and structure.

The Wine

The flagship Pym-Rae wine is a Bordeaux-style red blend made exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Each vintage showcases remarkable depth, elegance, and aging potential, with rich flavors of dark berries, chocolate, graphite, and subtle spices. The wine is known for its seamless integration of tannins, freshness, and a long, expressive finish.

• 2016 Vintage – The inaugural release under the Tesseron family, this vintage set the standard for Pym-Rae’s new direction, displaying refined structure and layers of complexity.
• 2017 Vintage – A challenging vintage due to wildfires, but through careful vineyard management, the wine retained its balance, purity, and intensity.
• 2018 Vintage – A standout vintage, offering excellent aging potential with remarkable depth, vibrancy, and precision.

Legacy and Name

The name "Pym-Rae" honors the vineyard’s previous owner, actor Robin Williams, who named it after the middle names of his children. The Tesseron family chose to retain the name, paying homage to the estate’s history while elevating its status through their expertise in winemaking.

Pym-Rae is a testament to the Tesseron family’s dedication to producing world-class wines that embody both the character of Mount Veeder and the finesse of Bordeaux craftsmanship. Through sustainable viticulture, careful blending, and a commitment to excellence, Pym-Rae has quickly become one of Napa Valley’s most compelling and sought-after wines.