Pontet & Pym Rae with TCWC

The TCWC team put together a small tasting to showcase two very different wines from the Tesseron family- the 2015 Pontet Canet and the inaugural release of their new venture in Napa Valley- the 2016 Pym Rae. As we typically enjoy Pontet Canet and already had two bottles of the Pym Rae in the cellar, participating in this tasting was a no brainer, if for a read on the Pym Rae alone.

Each participant received a four ounce sample which had been prepped Tuesday afternoon and delivered Wednesday. Our samples had an hour to breathe in the glass (Riedel Vinum Bordeaux stems) before the tasting started.

The estate was purchased bu Guy Tesseron in 1975 and Alfred took over in 1994. The estate has about 200 acres under vine to 62% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Average age of the vines is 45 years and the estate achieved biodynamic certification in 2010. Thirty percent of the vineyard is worked by a team of horses, and the plan is to increase their load beyond this. Fermentation takes place in a mix of large oak barriques and concrete tanks, and aging in new and used French oak and amphorae. The 2015 harvest began September 18th with the franc, and the final cepage is 65% sauvignon, 30% merlot, 3% franc and 2% verdot.

• 2015 Château Pontet-Canet 95 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

  A 4oz sample poured off from its original bottle two days earlier, allowed to breathe in the glass an hour before the tasting began. Deep crimson garnet color. Aromas of black currant and earth, with hints of saddle leather, licorice and violet underneath. Full-bodied and tannic, with flavors of black fruit and spice. With additional time in the glass notes of cedar and something a bit herbal- mint perhaps- emerge. Adds tobacco and mineral nuances as well. Tannins have a slightly chalky feel, and there’s good underlying acidity. An excellent showing for this wine, and one to add to the cellar and hold until 2030+.

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The Pym-Rae vineyard on Mount Veeder is comprised of two blocks covering just over 18.5 acres at elevations of 1,640 and 1,968 ft and was part of the 600 acre estate once owned by Robin Williams. The wine is a blend of 76% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot and 7% cabernet franc.

• 2016 Tesseron Estate Pym Rae 94 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  A 4oz sample poured off from its original bottle two days earlier, allowed to breathe in the glass an hour before the tasting began. Inky crimson color. Prominent Indian spice aromas give way to black currant, allspice, plum and Chinese five spice aromas...increibly intriguing. Full-bodied, with ripe fine-grained tannins and flavors of black fruit. With more time in the glass this adds aromas of perfume, licorice, sassafras and cocoa nibs. Flavors of red and black fruit, plum, clay and spice linger on the finish. Clearly young, but has plenty of youthful charm and class. Tuck this away for another ten years or so. 94+ pts for me, 92 for Domino.

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