1961 Nenin
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Tasting notes
Rose edging, tawny around the edges but still with depth and clarity through the core, and with soft waves of soft strawberry and raspberry. The palate is a little softer than the aromatics. Tobacco, cigar smoke, earth, campfire, a caress of white pepper and saffon. Gentle, the fruits are beginning to show the sweetness of age but it holds in the glass, there is good freshness. If you share this with lovers of old wine you will all be extremely happy. Around 20% new oak, but no records of the exact proportions. At this time the Despujols family were the owners, as they had been since 1847, working with no outside consultant, and making 100% 1st wine. I definitely suggest only carafing for sediment, because this is delicate and you will be chasing those aromatics.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
Several years ago I bought many bottles of the 1961 Nénin for the princely sum of £20 per bottle. Intermittently I dig one out and I am rarely disappointed. This last bottle was deep in colour, just a little turbid. The nose is stocky and broad-shouldered, a bit rough around the edges but offers lovely black fruit, brine, leather and cedar aromas, much more Left Bank in style than the 1959. The palate is medium-bodied with chunky tannin. Not a refined Nénin but certainly full of flavour with a touch of damson on the finish. It is just beginning to dry out on the end, but it still serves as a reminder that under the former owners, the Despujol family, this Pomerol could fashion a great wine. Tasted at home from my own cellar.