Château Nenin 2013

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.

"The 2013 Nenin has a conservative, rather "serious" bouquet with broody, tertiary black fruit, the 33% Cabernet Franc imparting a slight cured meat accent. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin, straightforward red berry fruit mixed with sea salt and a touch of dried orange peel. It is quite linear and slightly lean towards the finish, which is no surprise given the vintage, ensuring that this will be an early drinking Nenin to enjoy over the next 6-8 years." - Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate (10/28/2016, Issue 227), Ratings: 87, Drink: 2017-2026

"This wine is perfumed with a high proportion of Cabernet Franc, giving structure and tannins as well as blackberry fruits. Like all the wines of the vintage, it is fruity although it balances that characteristic with the tight final texture. Drink from 2019." - Roger Voss, The Wine Enthusiast (3/2016), Ratings: 89

"The 2013 Nenin has a conservative, rather serious bouquet with broody, tertiary black fruit, the 33% Cabernet Franc imparting a slight cured meat accent. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin, straightforward red berry fruit mixed with sea salt and a touch of dried orange peel. It is quite linear and slightly lean towards the finish, which is no surprise given the vintage, ensuring that this will be an early drinking Nenin to enjoy over the next 6-8 years." - Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate (8/27/2014, Issue 214),  Rating: 87-88