From Alfred Tesseron’s (owner of Pontet Canet in Pauillac) estate on Mount Veeder, the 2019 Pym Rae is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple-black colored, it requires a fair bit of swirling before it charges out of the gate with bold notes of crème de cassis, black cherry compote, and blueberry pie, followed by suggestions of clove oil, lilacs, licorice, and tar, plus a spicy waft of cumin seed. The full-bodied palate delivers beguiling energy from the brightness of fruit, bursting with fragrant floral notes, minerally sparks, and exotic spices. It has a taut backbone of invigorating acidity, matched by firm, ripe, grainy tannins, supporting the epic long, multi-layered finish. This 2019 is the vinous definition of opulence.

100 Pts The Wine Independent