Château Nénin, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France, 2006

The fruit is fairly open on the first nose, get a touch of rusticity, we are less buttoned up than in some of the more polished wines, letting a little more natural feeling in. Overall this is a pretty expression of black fruits, and the tannins are a little down and dirty. Enjoyable, well balanced, there is alcohol but the fruit has been well extracted to counter it. Ready to go, have it with food, don’t expect the most sophisticated glass you'll ever see, but thoroughly enjoyable. 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2006 vintage is not always generous, but it is now beginning to be fully open with Merlot-dominated wines such as Nénin, and this is at a sweet spot for drinking. Expansive blackcurrant and bilberry fruits, held firmly in place by still well structured tannins, this is enjoyable and well-balanced, if less sleek that you find in more recent vintages of this estate.