Dark red, bricking rim; light, faintly earthy, still closed; rich, generous, fresh and fleshy wine, a very nice Pomerol balance with a very fine, firm, but unobtrusive tannin; deep and sweetly ripe, ample, fleshy, satisfying, this has fattened out very attrractively, with a nice complexity and excellent fruit fragrant length. A very satisfying, juicily rich Pomerol, accessible now, even better in five years time. A steal at its current price, for it has the class, scope and finesse of Pomerols that currently cost 3 – 4 times as much. Now – 25+

Not surprisingly given the ownership by the Delon family (who also own Las Cases), Nenin always has a Medoc structure super-imposed on the ripe Merlot (75% of the blend, with the balance Cabernet Franc). The strong 2005 exhibits notes of sweet black cherries, licorice, and caramel in its medium to full-bodied, structured personality. It requires 5-7 years of cellaring, and should keep for two decades or more.

The Châtean Nénin 2005 is flamboyant and vivacious on the nose with red cherries, pomegranate, leather and a light marine influence. This let's it all hang out there. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe tannin, quite animally in style, a little feral with an easy-going, slightly savoury finish. This is just beginning to drink now and should give 15 or 20 years of pleasure.

(74% merlot and 26% cabernet franc; 14.2% alcohol) Ruby-red color. Ripe aromas of currant, black cherry and licorice show very good lift. Silky and lively in the mouth, without any impression of excess weight. Nicely concentrated and not at all overextracted. Finishes with firm tannins and plenty of vivacity. This promises to be the best vintage yet under the ownership of the Delon family; it appears to deliver more Pomerol sweetness than either the 2004 or the 2003. The crop level was just 36 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine represents a 41% selection.

The 2005 Nenin is a pleasant, chunky, monolithic style of Pomerol, with excellent density, purity, and earthy, spicy blackcurrant and black cherry fruit. The tannins are well-integrated and the wine should easily last another 10-20 years.

Tasted blind. Dark ruby. Rich and velvety on the nose. Flattering but not the freshest. A bit of alcohol on the end. Notably supple. (JR)