Château 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.

Composed of 58% Merlot and 42% Cabernet Franc—the highest percentage of Cabernet Franc ever—the 2017 Nenin is deep garnet-purple in color and comes galloping out of the glass with exuberant notes of baked black cherries, plum preserves and black raspberries plus suggestions of licorice, candied violets and fallen leaves with a waft of melted chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers bags of youthful black fruits with seriously spicy sparks and a beautifully plush texture, finishing long with a compelling mineral kick.

94 points Wine Advocate

The density and drive to this is certainly impressive for the vintage with blueberry and stone character to the dried violet and sandalwood undertone. Medium to full body. Tight and compressed with freshness and length. Bright and exciting. Linear. Salty, too.  

93 points James Suckling

Fresh and bright in profile, featuring red currant and raspberry notes, gilded with floral hints and backed by a light rooibos tea echo. The lively acidity of the vintage carries the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

92 points Wine Spectator