Warm plum in colour, with aromatics of fennel and aniseed. Flavours major on crayon, smoked earth, concentrated raspberry and blackberry fruits that have generosity and power. A kick of mint and hedgerow, with mouthwatering salinity on the finish. This holds in the glass, has plenty of tannins still, so no need to rush, but this feels like the perfect moment to begin drinking. 3.5ph. 35% new oak.

Very grapey on the nose with mineral tarragon and fresh flowers. Full-bodied with very well-integrated tannins and a light vanilla berry and milk chocolate aftertaste. Subtle and balanced. The best Nenin in years. Best after 2012. -JS

Lots of spicy black fruits, loamy earth, tobacco, and savory herbs emerge from the 2005 Château Nenin, a medium-bodied, ripe, velvety, spicy Pomerol that has a supple, impossible to resist style. I like where it is today yet see no reason it shouldn’t evolve gracefully over the coming decade.

The Châtean Nénin 2005 is flamboyant and vivacious on the nose with red cherries, pomegranate, leather and a light marine influence. This let's it all hang out there. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe tannin, quite animally in style, a little feral with an easy-going, slightly savoury finish. This is just beginning to drink now and should give 15 or 20 years of pleasure.

Not surprisingly given the ownership by the Delon family (who also own Las Cases) Nenin always has a Medoc structure super-imposed on the ripe Merlot (75% of the blend with the balance Cabernet Franc). The strong 2005 exhibits notes of sweet black cherries licorice and caramel in its medium to full-bodied structured personality. It requires 5-7 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades or more.