2017 Nenin (Pomerol)

The 2017 Nénin contains more Cabernet Franc this year because of the frost damage. The grapes were picked from 12 to 29 September although the team did go back to inspect the second generation frosted vines two weeks later but the tannins were unsatisfactory and the fruit abandoned. This means that the overall production was just 15.5hl/ha, matured in 35% new oak with the alcohol at 13.50°. The nose is fairly uncomplicated compared to the last two vintages: red fruit, briary and a touch of desiccated orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied with soft tannin, moderate depth, gentle in the mouth but missing a little structure towards the airy finish. It is a decent, early-drinking Nénin in the making although it lags behind the previous two vintages. 89-91 points

With yields of just 15.5hl/ha, this wine suffered from the frost, but it has been carefully extracted and is well held together. As a rule, winemakers are really not over-extracting and are instead trying to fill in the mid-palate by carefully balancing oak with gentle, low temperature vinification that favours fruit expression. This is a case in point, a wine that`s measured and elegant, and although the fruit is just a little too savoury, it has great poise. Not really at the same heights Nenin can reach in some years. Tasted twice. 3.75pH. 89 points

10% lost to the frost (while Fugue de Nénin was 70% frosted so the volumes are too small for it to be sold en primeur in this vintage). 42% Cabernet Franc, 58% Merlot. Harvested 12–29 September. A little more Cabernet Franc than usual because the lower parts of Nénin were frosted. They did not use the fruit from second-generation buds (harvested 8–12 Oct) because it was not phenologically ripe. This is already the final blend. 6.7% press wine. 35% new oak. pH 3.75, IPT 70, TA (sulphuric) 3.43 g/l. Very dark with purple crimson. Lifted, lightly floral aroma and a charming dusty overlay. Quite dark on the palate, savoury and dark-fruited but also scented on the mid palate. Oak is well integrated. Creamy texture, elegant and beautifully balanced. Juicy finish and good freshness and length. 17 points

The 2017 Nenin is deep garnet-purple in color and has quite an earthy nose of tar, black soil and fungi notions over a core of cassis and black plums. The palate is medium-bodied, firm and chewy with a racy line and grippy finish. 87-89 points