Tesseron Estate
Tesseron Estate is a Napa Valley jewel, renowned for its exceptional high-altitude vineyard on Mount Veeder. Owned by the Tesseron Family, celebrated for their legacy in Cognac, the estate embodies a unique blend of Bordeaux tradition and Napa Valley innovation, producing some of the most refined and sustainable wines in the region.
History of Tesseron Estate
The Tesseron family, renowned for their expertise in producing fine Cognac since 1905, brought their heritage of excellence to Napa Valley in 2016, acquiring the iconic Pym-Rae vineyard on Mount Veeder. The vineyard, formerly owned by the late actor Robin Williams, was named after his children’s middle names.
The family, led by Alfred Tesseron, also the proprietor of Château Pontet-Canet in Bordeaux, brought a deep commitment to biodynamic farming, sustainable viticulture, and crafting wines of purity and balance. They renamed the property Tesseron Estate Pym-Rae, paying homage to its legacy while instilling their philosophy of respect for nature and terroir.
Region and Vineyards
Tesseron Estate is situated on Mount Veeder, known for its steep slopes, cool microclimate, and diverse soils. The 32-acre vineyard sits at altitudes between 1640 and 1968 feet, with sedimentary soils composed of limestone, sandstone, and clay, offering excellent drainage and contributing to the wines’ minerality.
The estate’s location benefits from cool mornings and warm afternoons, ideal for slow, even ripening of Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. These high-altitude conditions produce grapes with vibrant acidity, concentration, and complexity.
Wine Range of Tesseron Estate
The flagship wine of Tesseron Estate is Pym-Rae, an elegant Bordeaux-style blend showcasing the estate’s unique terroir. Crafted with meticulous care, Pym-Rae combines:
- Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and depth.
- Merlot for softness and fruitiness.
- Cabernet Franc for aromatic complexity.
The estate’s commitment to biodynamic farming ensures that every vintage reflects the vineyard’s purest expression, producing wines with extraordinary aging potential.
Innovation and Philosophy
Tesseron Estate integrates traditional Bordeaux methods with Napa Valley’s modern winemaking techniques. The estate practices biodynamic viticulture, certified by Demeter USA, which involves:
- Avoiding synthetic chemicals.
- Using natural preparations to enhance soil health.
- Aligning vineyard activities with lunar and cosmic cycles.
This approach not only supports the environment but also enhances the vitality and character of the wines. Fermentation in concrete tanks and aging in a combination of French oak barrels and concrete ensure a balance between complexity and freshness.
Did You Know?
The name Pym-Rae is a heartfelt tribute to Robin Williams’ family, preserving the vineyard’s history while embracing the Tesseron family’s philosophy. The estate’s practices mirror those at Château Pontet-Canet, Alfred Tesseron’s Bordeaux Grand Cru Classé property, creating a unique link between Napa Valley and Bordeaux.
