CHÂTEAU NÉNIN

The 2020 Nénin, which was matured in 40% new oak, has an attractive nose with mulberry and raspberry fruit, touches of truffle and warm gravel percolating through with time. I like the purity here. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins on the entry, crisp acidity, almost brittle in texture at the moment. Nicely focused, the 32% Cabernet Franc imparts a pleasing pepperiness towards the finish. This has a spring in its step, yet there is also a sense of seriousness that maybe was missing in older vintages. Worth seeking out. Drinking range: 2027 - 2050 Rating: 92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Feb 2023)

This has real purity, with blackcurrant pastille, graphite and liquorice root. A touch of reduction at first, opening to show cleanly-spliced raspberry and blackberry fruit, excellent quality. A ton of potential, still reserved and holding itself back (this will remain in barrel until early summer 2022). 38hl/h yield. 3% amphora for ageing for the 1st time with 45% new oak. Drinking range: 2029 - 2048 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, Decanter (Feb 2022)

Nénin is owned by Domaines Delon (part of the Léoville Las Cases, Clos du Marquis and Potensac family) and this makes it yet another glittering success in 2020 for this elite group of estates. There are so many different styles of Pomerol in 2020 and unlike the deep, dark, monotonal wines from this hallowed region which are undoubtedly as impressive as they are imposing, Nénin has tempo and melody, detail and freshness and, embracing the musical them of this estate, it shows delightful timbre and also delicacy. Like a finely tuned orchestra as opposed to a relentless timpani drum, this wine is thrilling in 2020. Multifaceted, with a panoply of red fruit notes, green flecks and deeper tones beneath the glistening surface, there are even hints of exoticism here which end in a gorgeous crescendo of fine tannins and clean acidity. I love the new wax tops (introduced in 2019), too, which are superbly colour-matched to the label, ensuring that wine collectors will be able to locate this wine in record time, in their cellars, too! Rating: 18.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

The 2020 Nénin impresses with its density and backbone. At the same time, the 2020 possesses terrific freshness. As always, Nénin has a high percentage of Cabernet Franc (32%). At times, the Merlot and Franc aren't so well put together in the early going, but that is not at all an issue in 2020. I especially admire the wine's focus and overall sense of vibrancy. A host of floral, savory and mineral notes linger on the salivating finish. There's plenty to look forward to here. Drinking range: 2028 - 2045 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

The 2020 Nénin now comes exclusively from the Pomerol plateau. It was picked September 8–16 for the Merlot and September 21–23 for the Cabernet Franc, and raised in 40% new oak. Whereas the Fugue de Nénin is open and expressive, clearly the Grand Vin cares little for showing its wares at this early stage, remaining tight-lipped for an hour before almost reluctantly opening with blackberry, thyme and gravelly scents, all well defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and a fine bead of acidity. The Cabernet Franc imparts welcome pepperiness toward the latter half – not a million miles away from Trotanoy. This trait turns more toward a pencil lead note with continued aeration. A serious Pomerol that deserves 5–7 years in the cellar, but has the substance to give 30 years of drinking pleasure. Drinking range: 2027 - 2050 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

A blend of 68% Merlot and 32% Cabernet Franc raised in 40% new oak, the 2020 Château Nenin brings the intensity up a notch, offering a rock star nose of cassis and darker berries as well as crushed stone, graphite, chocolate, and violets. The purity is spot on and it has a precise, focused texture that's very much in the vintage, flawless balance, and a great finish. It's another gem of a Pomerol in the vintage readers will love to have in the cellar. For the tech geeks out there, the alcohol reached 14% and the pH was 3.65 with an IPT of 76. Rating: 94-97 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (May 2021)

The classic Nenin pencil lead here - you get an intellectual approach to Pomerol at Nenin, with an opening of graphite and liquorice root, but it widens out to show fleshier style of ripe raspberry and black cherry. The tannins give a bite on the finish, and this is one I suggest leaving for a good six to eight years before drinking. 40% new oak, 3.65pH, IPT76. Harvest from September 8th to 23rd. A very good quality Nenin. From 8ha, really focusing only on the heart of the plateau. 40% new oak. Now using 5% amphoras for the Cabernet Franc, which has maybe given this touch of reduction. Drinking range: 2026 - 2040 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)