Château Nenin 2011

Château Nénin – A tradition of excellence in Pomerol

Located in the heart of the renowned Pomerol appellation, Château Nénin is celebrated for producing exceptional wines that epitomize the unique terroir of this prestigious region. The estate’s Grand Vin is crafted exclusively from the finest parcels situated on the plateau of Pomerol, where the combination of clay and gravel soils gives the wine its depth, complexity, and elegance.

The origins of Château Nénin date back to the 18th century, when the Despujol family acquired the estate. Over the centuries, ownership passed through various hands, until it was acquired by the Delon family in 1997. Jean-Hubert Delon, already renowned for his ownership of the esteemed Château Léoville Las Cases in Saint-Julien, took charge of Château Nénin, bringing with him a vision to revitalize this historic property.

Under the Delon family's stewardship, Château Nénin has undergone a remarkable transformation. Jean-Hubert, joined by his son Jean, has invested significantly in modernizing the estate’s facilities, all while maintaining the authenticity and charm that define this historic property. The vineyards have been replanted with care, employing massal selection from the exceptional vines of Léoville Las Cases, and the winemaking process has been fine-tuned to emphasize quality and precision. A deep respect for the terroir and the traditions of Pomerol guides every aspect of production, from vineyard management to cellar techniques.

Today, the Delon family continues to oversee the estate’s future with passion and dedication. Their vision is to craft wines that truly reflect the essence of Pomerol's exceptional terroir, focusing on the region’s emblematic grape varieties, notably Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The estate spans 32 hectares, with only 8 hectares dedicated to producing the Grand Vin, ensuring that only the finest fruit goes into every bottle.

The 2011 Grand Vin is composed of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc, with the vines averaging 27 years in age. These vines, replanted after the Delon family’s acquisition, were selected through massal selection from the renowned Enclos de Léoville Las Cases, ensuring both continuity and quality. Uniquely for Pomerol, most of the estate’s vines are planted in a single block, surrounded on two sides by the prestigious Château Trotanoy, with an additional smaller plot near the iconic Le Pin.

"This is balanced, graceful, white pepper spice, complex and concentrated with pencil lead and grilled oak. Plenty of raspberry leaf and violet flowers, showing precision and grace - less Pomerol signature than the warmer vintages, but it is a delicious wine with plenty of life ahead. 35% new oak."- Jane Anson, (02/28/2022), Ratings: 92

"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." - Neal Martin, Vinous, (04/27/2012), Ratings: 90-92