The 2020 Nénin is compelling from bottle. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon, spice, leather and incense give the 2020 tons of aromatic and flavor complexity. The 2020 offers a striking balance of textural richness and vibrancy. I very much admire the energy and overall class here. 02/2023 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.

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. 02/2023 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.

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!

Belle couleur sombre et pourpre. Nez très aromatique, fin, au fruité pur. Nuance d’écorce d’orange. Bouche tout en distinction tactile, avec de l’éclat dans le goût et un superbe toucher. Le vin évolue gracieux et étoffé, charmant, sur une tannicité noble, séveuse et parfumé. C’est très bon. Un grand succès du cru. Assemblage : 68 % merlot, 32 % cabernet franc. Degré d’alcool : 14°. pH : 3,65 (moyenne) – IPT : 76 (moyenne +). Production : 33 % de la récolte.

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.