Tasted at Leoville Las-Cases. The Nénin 2011 is a blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc with 17% pressed wine cropped at 44 hl/ha. I do like the nose of this Nénin that has fine delineation and more purity and focus than exhibited upon recent vintages; the minerality more tangible. The palate is fresh and vibrant with silky smooth tannins, good acidity, lovely crescendo of flavours and great tension on the finish. This is a very fine Nénin, one that perhaps finally realizes the potential of its terroir. Tasted April 2012.

A wine with lots of orange blossom and bright acidity. Full body, with firm tannins and a creamy texture. Intense acidity on finish.

Nicely focused plum and steeped cherry notes with elegant hints of violet and sweet spice on the finish. Silky feel.-J.M.

(a 78/22 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon): Purple-ruby. Perfumed aromas of cassis, coffee and minerals. Bright, juicy and suave, with pure black fruit and mineral flavors complicated by a touch of chocolate. High but harmonious acidity gives this wine a graceful mouthfeel, which I find to be a welcome dimension if a bit atypical of Nenin. Finishes smooth and persistent. One of the most promising young Nenins in quite some time.

A blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc, the 2011 Nenin reveals a Medoc-like style of nicely delineated, medium-bodied black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of flowers and earthy/mineral notes. Impressive purity, good texture and a decent finish suggest it will drink well for a decade.

This is the Right Bank outpost of the Delon family that also owns Leoville Las-Cases. While they have made major improvements to Nenin, I feel it still has a Medoc-like personality in spite of the fact it is about 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The 2011 Nenin displays an attractive, clean, raspberry and black currant-scented nose, good richness, and a Medoc-like firmness. It is a medium-bodied, pleasant 2011 to drink over the next 7-8 years.

Drink 2016-2028 22% Cabernet Franc, 78% Merlot. 25% new oak. Intense black cherry colour. Again that graphite fragrance but really juicy and alive and fluid. Bright and full of life. 'Médoc style of Pomerol' suggests Steven Spurrier and that's quite a good description. Upright and tight and fresh. Very scented on the palate, long but elegant too. (JH) 13.7%

Biscuity sweetness on the nose. A bit toasty. Much lighter textured than most in this flight. Juicy but slightly bitter on the finish. (JH)