Château Nénin Fugue de Nénin Pomerol 2017

Château Nénin is a rather large property in the appellation of Pomerol on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. It’s located just outside the village of Catusseau.

Jean-Hubert Delon, proprietor of Château Léoville Las Cases, long knew Château Nénin’s potential; he bought it from the Despujol family in 1997.

The Delon family quickly got to work, with major investment and renovation in the vineyard and the winery – replanting a huge amount of the vineyard to best suit the soils here.

Of the estate’s 32 hectares, around 25 are currently in production, planted to Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Most plantings are in one block, which is surrounded on two sides by Château Trotanoy.

There’s also a smaller plot near Le Pin.

This is an elegant Pomerol with huge ageing potential and offering value for money.

The 2017 is fresh and easy in feel, with supple plum sauce and cherry preserve flavours, lined with vanilla and anise details. Rounded finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2024. 1,666 cases made.

Decant at least 2 hours before tasting to release the aromas.

Very attractive red with crushed-berry aromas and salty, red-fruit flavours. Medium body. Very fine tannins. Bright and vivid. Shows good energy for the second wine. Better after 2021.

91/100 JAMES SUCKLING (January 2020)