Nenin 1997

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1997 is a big, complete and concentrated wine with ripe fruit, lots of texture, and a long finish. It displays a deep ruby/purple color, medium to full body, attractive plum and black cherry fruit intermixed with toast, excellent depth, fine equilibrium, and good spice and sweetness of fruit. This wine possesses some tannin, but should drink well for 10-12 years.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This is the first vintage of Nenin produced under the new owners, the powerful father and son team of Michel and Jean-Hubert Delon. They are investing a significant fortune in resurrecting this famed vineyard from the throes of mediocrity. An entire drainage system is being installed in the vineyard, in addition to other large-scaled expenditures, all designed to take Nenin to the top of Pomerol's qualitative hierarchy. I do not doubt the Delons' ability to do just that. One-third of the harvest was relegated to the second wine, which will be called Fugue de Nenin. The 1997 Nenin is the finest wine from this estate over recent vintages, but I suspect it offers only a glimpse of the quality level that will ultimately emerge. A blend of 81.5% Merlot and 18.5% Cabernet Franc, the wine possesses a deep ruby/purple color, followed by a sexy, black cherry, mocha, and plum-scented nose, medium body, excellent ripeness and purity, soft, well-integrated tannin, and a moderately long finish. It is fleshy, yet surprisingly well-delineated for a Pomerol (the Medoc influence?). This wine should be at its best between 2001-2012.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

This is showing brilliantly when proffered by Jean-Hubert Delon over lunch. The nose is simple and upfront with blackberry, a touch of  wet sand and charcoal. The palate is very well balanced with a surprising amount of opulent and concentration for a ’97. Fleshy in texture, vigorous with a savoury finish. This has matured wonderfully. Recommended. Drink now-2015. Tasted October 2007.

robert_parker87

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The Delons did not have control over the vineyard and entire vinification for this vintage, but they instituted a strict selection, resulting in an attractive, elegant, richly fruity wine with copious quantities of cherries and black currants presented in a lush, supple style. It should drink well for 7-10 years. Bravo to Jean-Hubert and Michel Delon!