2019 Pym Rae
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Pym-Rae is made up of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot, all aged in a combination of 45% new French oak barriques and small (260-gallon) concrete tanks. Impressively ripe and concentrated, it offers scents of cassis, violet and hints of dark chocolate on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky-smooth, framed by dusty tannins on the long, focused finish. Yes, it's somewhat Bordeaux-like in shape, but it's fully ripe, with black cherries emerging on the finish, along with the slightest touch of alcoholic warmth.
Critic scores
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, from Mount Veeder. Michel Rolland consults. Harvest 2–12 October. Vinified in concrete tanks then aged for 16–18 months in new French oak barrels (55%) and concrete tanks (45%). A wild expression of blueberry jam, eucalyptus, potpourri and kirsch. Mulling spices, tomato leaf and blackcurrant are all expressed on the palate. This needs some time to settle, it has a sweet green note that has not quite knit into the wine as yet. Very polished texturally, but I would be interested to see how the flavours develop over the coming decade. (TP)
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.
The 2019 Château Pym-Rae is a textbook Mount Veeder Cabernet with its exotic red, blue, and black fruits as well as complex notes of mountain scrub brush, lavender, 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 age and shine over the following two decades.