The 2017 Tesseron Estate Pym Rae is a proprietary blend from Napa, California, crafted by Tesseron Estate. This red wine, with an alcohol content of 15.7%, is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with no Cabernet Franc included due to the fires in 2017.
James Suckling describes the wine as "rich, flamboyant and decadent" with notes of "bright raspberries, mushrooms and bark," awarding it a score of 97. He highlights its full-bodied nature, yet notes its "tight and refined" character, suggesting it will be best enjoyed after 2023.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also rates this wine at 97, noting its "deep garnet-purple color" and a nose bursting with "black cherries, mulberries, plum preserves and dark chocolate." The review praises its "rich, seductive black fruit preserves" and "firm yet beautifully plush tannins," calling it an "absolute knock-out."
Jane Anson provides a score of 94, pointing out the wine's "powerful waves of ripe fruit" and spicy profile with "blackberries, bilberries, black tea, espresso, cocoa bean and liquorice." She notes the wine's biodynamic conversion and dry-farming practices, indicating its concentrated and fragrant nature.
Jeb Dunnuck gives a 96 rating, describing the wine as "beautiful" despite the challenging vintage. He highlights its "black fruits, scorched earth, tobacco, and graphite-like aromas," noting its elegant style and classic Bordeaux-like character.
Decanter echoes high praise with a score of 97, emphasizing its "tremendous depth and complexity." The review mentions its "black-fruited profile" and "stealthy tannin structure," suggesting it will benefit from further aging. The Tesseron family, known for Château Pontet-Canet, purchased the estate in 2016, contributing to its reputation as one of Napa Valley's understated assets.