2004 Nenin

Mid crimson. Floral, even a hint of soap! Then richness on the mid palate. Very juicy and vibrant. Lovely balance, even if easy to overlook. Appetising dry but not drying finish. (JR)

This structured Pomerol reveals classic sweet cherry and kirsch liqueur-like notes intermixed with hints of minerals and flowers. Lovely ripeness, medium body, and a restrained but noble style suggest it will drink well for 10-15 years. Also tasted: 2004 Fugue de Nenin (86)

Good red-ruby. Plum, mocha, coffee, tobacco and smoky oak on the nose. Essentially soft but a bit dry and lacking in real sweetness of fruit. The tannins arrive much earlier than those of the young 2005, giving the wine a bit of a bite on the end. A rather awkward showing. (The '03 Nenin, rated 88 in Issue 120, showed enticing raspberry, roasted plum and leather aromas and decent length, but seemed a bit pinched in the middle palate. My most recent sample merited 87 points.)