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.