Domaines Delon - 2012 Château Nenin Pomerol

The Delon family own and operate heavy-hitters such as Leoville Las Cases and Clos du Marquis in Saint-Julien, Potensac in Medoc, and Château Nenin in Pomerol. In 1997, Jean-Hubert Delon purchased the 78-acre estate from cousins, whose family had owned Nénin since 1847, and completely transformed the property. Vines were uprooted and replanted, a fully modernized vat room was installed, and the cellars were expanded and renovated. Yes, it takes some serious money to make serious Bordeaux, and with such a massive investment, you know Delon's objective is the best quality wine for your dollar. 

Wine making at Château Nenin in Pomerol is traditional. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, temperature controlled vats that range in size from 70 hectoliters up to 160 hectoliters. On average, Château Nenin is aged in 30% new oak, or less, for an average of 18 months, depending on the vintage.

The Nenin appears to be maturing nicely in bottle after an impressive showing in barrel. Those cassis and blackberry notes are locked in, now augmented by subtle sea spray and rose petal scents, all with fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, very well balanced, though not enormous depth towards the finish that feels just a little austere at the moment; but there is appreciable length and a silky smooth texture.

Type: Red wine

Appellation: AOC Pomerol

Grape variety(en): 70% merlot, 30% cabernet franc

Soils: a mix of gravel, clay and sand with some iron in the soil.

Alcohol: 14.5% 

Year: 2012

Average vine age: 30 years

Aging: 30% new oak, or less, for an average of 18 months

Origin: Pomerol, Bordeaux.