Château Nenin is a large property by Pomerol standards and one which has long been a favourite of the British Royal Family. Nenin was owned by the Despujol family until 1997 when it was bought by Jean-Hubert and Michel Delon, the proprietors of Château Léoville-Las-Cases. Michel Rolland has been retained as a consultant and the wines are now cleaner and displaying more depth of fruit than before.

Nenin is located just outside the village of Catusseau and consists of a handsome, 19th century château and a 25 hectare vineyard set in a large park. The vineyard is south-west facing and located on a high plateau, where the soils are a mixture of deep gravels and sand.

Blend – Merlot 80% – Cabernet Franc 20%

Winemaking – The grapes are machine-harvested and then fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats.

Ageing – The wine is then matured in oak casks (20% new) for 18 months.

According to the Delon family, Château Nénin is the epitome of a great Pomerol “vin de garde” (wine for laying down). It combines power and elegance, complexity and balance, purity and refinement. The gradual increase of Cabernet Franc within the vineyards gives the wine tautness, distinction and freshness. To really appreciate the Grand Vin’s ageing ability, you may need to be patient. Like all great Pomerol vins de garde, Château Nénin blossoms over time.

James Suckling – 94 points

A delicious Pomerol that manages to combine the richness the appellation is famous for with a lovely freshness and vitality. I love the elegant tannins that makes this turn ever drier as it flows over the palate. Plenty of life at the bright finish.

Decanter – 93 points

This has some evident caramel on the palate, going long on silky, gourmet edging. Those brushed, rich Pomerol tannins are clearly in evidence too, along with dark cassis fruits that add a more sombre edge, emphasising a concentrated expression. Good quality, although lacking some finesse.

Robert Parker – 92 points

The 2009 Nenin is medium garnet colored and features notes of menthol, pencil lead and damp soil over a core of warm red and black currants, stewed plums and sautéed herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, restrained and refreshing in the mouth with a pleasantly chewy texture framing the red and black fruits, finishing with an herbal lift.

Wine Enthusiast – 93 points

Structured, but so rich, with the tannins enveloped by sweet plum fruits and excellent acidity. The wine is juicy, sweet and darkly rich.