Château Nénin 2016

James Suckling

Aromas full of crushed blackberries and blueberries with fresh mushrooms and sandalwood. Full-bodied, very tight and focused with fabulous density of fruit in the center palate and a long, flavorful finish. Shows strength and, at the same time, finesse. Try after 2023.

Tim Atkin

The Wine Independent

Falstaff

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2016 Nenin is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc picked from 18 September until 8 October at 37 hectoliters per hectare. For the first time, the Grand Vin includes the new selection of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from sections on the plateau that were replanted in 1999 and 2000 (last year, the 2015 included only part of the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon). It has a lifted and generous bouquet with raspberry, wild strawberry and violet aromas, just a hint of clove emerging with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin that I feel are finer than I have encountered before at this property. There is a lovely savory/bell pepper note originating from the Cabernet Franc and there is very good depth and persistence on the finish. Whilst this Nenin does not possess the detail and precision of the finest Pomerol growths in 2016, it is certainly a very strong follow-up to the 2015 and suggests that there is better to come.