Pym-Rae - Napa Valley 2019

The Drink Business

98 / 100

byColin Haythe9/19/2023

The fourth vintage of this wine and the first to be certified both organic and biodynamic. This is also, impressively, the product of dry farming, showing that it is possible even here. This is radiantly beautiful, incredibly elegant and profoundly floral on the nose. It seems delicate yet at the same time is intense and thoroughly captivating aromatically. In its earlier vintages the minerality seemed to dominate, drowning out the florality. We now a glorious equilibrium with all the notes in subtle harmony. Cherry and confit cherry, peonies and rose petals, candlewax and a touch of cedar. The tannins are sublimely soft, yet the grip and chisel the wine through the glacial and crystal pure mid-palate. The most exquisite expression of Napa Cabernet. So juicy on the finish and such an excellent advert for viticulture practiced here.

Jamessuckling.com

97 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe7/18/2023

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.

Jeb DUNNUCK

98 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe7/18/2023

The 2019 Chateau PYM-Rae in a textbook Mount Veeder Cabernet with its exotic red, blue, and black fruits as well as complex notes of mountain scrub brush, laender, tobacco, and lead pencil. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, it has a layered, elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine yet substantial tannins, and a great finish. It's one of those "iron fist in a velvet glove" type wines that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle ang and shine over the followinf two decades.

The Wine Independent

100 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe2/16/2023

From Alfred Tessron's (owner of Pontet Canet in Pauillac) estat'e on Mount Veeder, the 2019 Pym Rae is a blend of 60 % Cabernet sauvignon, 20 % Merlot and 20 % Cabernet Franc. Deep Purple-black colored, it requires a fait bit of swirling before it charges out of the gate with bold notes of crem de cassis, black cherry compote, and blueberry pie, followed by suggestions of clove oil, lilacs, licorice, 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 tout 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 are due to be released in autumn 2023.