-
98
/ 100
James Suckling -
96
/ 100
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
97
/ 100
Jeb Dunnuck -
17
/ 20
Jancis Robinson MW -
93
/ 100
Decanter
Red
Classification
Merlot Blend
Variety
2020
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Bordeaux, Pomerol
Region
13.5%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
98 / 100"This is from only the old vines in the clay and gravel soils on the plateau. Really fantastic. It’s medium-to full-bodied and the tannins just roll off the palate at the end. Dark fruit and spices. So long. One of the best modern wines from here? 68% merlot and 32% cabernet franc"
- James Suckling
96 / 100
"A blend of 68% Merlot (harvested 8th to 16th September) and 32% Cabernet Franc (harvested 21st to 23rd September), the 2020 Nenin is aging in French oak barriques, 40% new. It has an alcohol of 14%, a pH of 3.65 and an IPT (tannin index) of 76. Deep purple-black in color, it glides effortlessly out of the glass with wonderfully pure notes of crushed blueberries, fresh blackberries and ripe red and black plums, plus suggestions of lavender, star anise and Ceylon tea with a waft of cast-iron pan. The medium-bodied palate is fantastically elegant and beautifully poised, featuring exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness to support the perfumed red and black fruit layers, finishing long and mineral laced. A real head-turner!"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
97 / 100
"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."
- Jeb Dunnuck
17 / 20
"Deep colour. Purer and more lifted than Fugue with graphite and dark-fruit notes. Juicy and textured on the palate, the fruit plush and the tannins velvety and fine-grained. More sensual and Pomerol-esque than in the past. (JL)"
- Jancis Robinson MW
93 / 100
"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 Window 2026 - 2040"
- Decanter
Tasting Notes
Merlot 68%, Cabernet Franc 32%
There is a modest shift away from the style of the past two decades at Nenin, a sibling of Léoville Las Cases. The aim is to accentuate more the red-fruit elements and soften some of the tannins; there is even some amphorae used. The grand vin comes solely from the best eight hectares, in the heart of the plateau. The wine is rich and full in colour, ripe with mocha, damson and something ferric. But it remains Nenin at heart and will need a while to fully express itself.
Drink 2027-2042
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity