An Extraordinary Journey to Mount Veeder

The Pym-Rae estate, nestled within the breathtaking beauty of Mount Veeder at an elevation of 1,800 feet, carries on the profound legacy of the Tesseron family. In January 2016, Alfred Tesseron and his children, Noé and Justine, became the proud stewards of this remarkable Napa Valley estate, formerly owned by the beloved actor Robin Williams. The Tesseron family, renowned for their Bordeaux estate Château Pontet-Canet, originally made their mark with Tesseron Cognac, founded by Abel Tesseron in 1905 and still recognized for its top quality today.

The Tesserons’ approach to winemaking is deeply rooted in an unwavering commitment to the land, emphasizing a natural, biodynamic philosophy that prioritizes vineyard care over cellar techniques. With an average vine age of 30 years, Pym-Rae's 18.53 acres of vineyards, featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, thrive under the Tesseron family's stewardship. Biodynamic farming, which the family first honed at Pontet-Canet, intertwines the cycles of nature and the cycles of life, affirming the philosophy of harmony with meticulous attention to detail. With practices like dry farming, natural canopy management, and caring for their own resident cows, Pym-Rae's commitment to crafting limited-production wines is a celebration of the enduring connection between earth and vine.

Inspired by Robin Williams’s love for his children, he named the estate after their middle names "Pym" and "Rae." In homage to the previous owner, the Tesserons chose to preserve the name for both the estate and the wine it produced. Guided by the capable hands of winemaker Jérôme Ledit and consulting enologist Michel Roland, Pym-Rae produces a single wine each year, a Bordeaux-style red blend crafted entirely from the varietals grown on the estate. Since the first vintage in 2016, Pym-Rae embodies the family’s rich legacy and an unwavering commitment to the land.