Nenin 2018

robert_parker94

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2018 Nenin is a blend of 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc, weighing in at 14.6% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, the nose explodes with bombastic notions of baked black plums, stewed cherries and boysenberries with suggestions of licorice, eucalyptus, clove oil and hoisin. The medium to full-bodied palate has a lovely line of freshness lifting the ripe, rich, dark fruit layers, framed by plush tannins, finishing with lingering exotic spice notes.

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2018 Nenin is made up of 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc and has 14.6% alcohol. Yields were 33.8 hectoliters per hectare, and grapes were harvested between September 13 and October 12. The wine is to be aged in barriques, 45% new, and the finished blend was put into barrels last December. Deep purple-black in color, it sings of Morello cherries, Black Forest cake, licorice and lavender with a core of plum preserves, unsmoked tobacco and warm blackberries plus a waft of Provence herbs. Full-bodied and concentrated yet bursting with energy, it has a solid backbone of firm, rounded tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Nénin has also benefitted from élevage. There is some strictness in the tannin, but the 2018 has filled out beautifully. The Cabernet Franc, 37% of the blend (very high for Nénin) speaks with a great deal of authority. Purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice all build in this striking, deep Pomerol. I would cellar the 2018 for at least a few years. It is an impressive wine, to be sure.

vinous0

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Nénin offers a good bit of red/purplish berry fruit at the outset. Sweet floral and spice notes give the 2018 a good bit of aromatic brightness and lift. On the palate, the wine is a bit constricted, especially on the mid-palate. Nénin has been an inconsistent performer en primeur. It will be interesting what élevage brings. The blend is 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc. Tasted four times.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2018 Nénin has retained its outgoing, quite floral bouquet of red and black fruit infused with violet and touches of peony. A touch of truffle and crushed rock emerges with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a strict and structured opening. Very linear, very correct in style, this is a serious Nénin. A touch of graphite lends it a Left Bank–like personality on the finish. Classy, but give it 2–3 years in bottle.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2018 Nénin is matured in 45% new oak for 16 months and contains a high proportion of Cabernet Franc like the previous vintage. It was picked from 13 September until 10 October. It has a flamboyant and floral bouquet with potent violet scents that threaten to overshadow the fruit behind. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and a fine bead of acidity. I like the freshness here and the coolness on the finish that disguises the warmth of that later summer. The strict selection, only 35% of the crop, paid dividends.

james_suckling96

Reviewed by: James Suckling

This is a special wine with unique black-cherry character and hints of hazelnuts. Full bodied, tight and totally melted together with the firm and ultra-fine tannins Extremely long.

james_suckling97

Reviewed by: James Suckling

Elegant, complex nose with dark and blue fruit, as well as spicy and earthy undertones. Sandalwood and cedar with dark chocolate, too. Full body with firm, ultra fine tannins. Structured, layered and flavorful on the palate. It’s very polished with a lovely texture and a long finish. Pure and luscious. Merlot with 37% cabernet franc. Best ever. Try after 2024, but already very beautiful.