CHÂTEAU NÉNIN

A good effort from Chateau Nenin, which is owned by the proprietor of the well-known St.-Julien estate, Chateau Leoville Las Cases, the 2013 Nenin is a blend of 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc made from tiny yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare. The natural alcohol came in 13.3%. The wine exhibits pleasant notes of black currants, black cherries and mocha in its fruity, medium-bodied, well-balanced personality. No serious tannins interfere with its enjoyment. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. 2014-2020 Rating: 87-88 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Aug 2014)

(67% merlot and 33% cabernet franc, 3.65 g/l total acidity; pH 3.65; 30 h/h; 13% alcohol): Vivid ruby. Enticing red fruit and floral aromas and flavors are supported by lively acids and silky tannins. The persistent finish showcases repeating floral and dark berry nuances. A much more refined Nenin than usual, with the largest percentage of cab franc I recall for this property (the 2012 blend had 30% of this variety, but the cabernet franc presence marked the wine less that year than it does in 2013). This is also a very good example of how eliminating lower-quality merlot from the final blend really was the right thing to do; in 2013 at least, there is really no comparison possible between this wine and La Fugue, the estate's much less interesting second wine. A very successful, less chunky Nenin. Rating: 87-90 Ian d'Agata - Stephen Tanzer website (May 2014)

Rich ripe black fruits fill the nose and the palate has depth of flavour. There is some mid freshness with bramble under the black plum richness and as the tannins feel ripe the back palate is fleshy supple with depth of flavour. 2020-28. Rating: 89-93 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (May 2014)