I think the 2018 Château Nenin might check in behind the magical 2019, but it's certainly in the same league as the 2016. Based roughly on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, its deep purple color is followed by a beautiful nose of ripe black cherries, cassis, chocolate, violets, and spring flowers. With beautiful freshness, medium to full-bodied richness, seamless tannins, and a great finish, this gorgeous Pomerol is going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and evolve for two decades.

Ripe, and even a bit showy (atypical for the vintage), with plum, blackberry and blueberry notes bursting forth, backed by licorice and fruitcake accents. Starts to show its spine through the finish, with a tug of warm stone and tobacco adding contrast and cut. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2035. 2,500 cases made.

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.