2019 Tesseron Estate, Pym-Rae Red, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, California, USA

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 - 2066Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (August 2023)

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 - 2050jane_anson_mw, janeanson_com, janeanson_com (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 2026james_suckling, jamessuckling_com (August 2023)