Great balance, velvety texture to the tannins, generous layers of blackberry, plum and raspberry fruit, with chocolate shavings, pencil lead and grilled cedar oak. Plenty of appellation signature, just a flash of heat on the finish, whch is rare with Nenin, but it is balanced out by graphite and liqourice. Barely puts a foot wrong and is a delicious wine. The first year to have lowered the SO2 during winemaking to increase emphasis on purity of fruit. 3.64ph, 33hl/h yield, 45% new oak.

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.

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.

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.

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.