Château Nenin 2011

On the eve of the 1997 harvest, Jean-Hubert Delon (owner of Château Léoville Las Cases) purchased Château Nénin, which had belonged to his cousins, the Despujol family, since 1847. A major restructuring was immediately undertaken. The pruning and trellising methods were reviewed, the land was drained, the vines were replanted or uprooted, and the equipment modernized. The ageing and storage cellars were extended and completely re-fitted, and air conditioning was added. A new vat room, furnished with state-of-the-art equipment, was built thereby completing the total transformation of the property.

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 refi nement. 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.

"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." - Robert M. Parker, Jr., Rating: 86