La Fugue de Nénin 2019

Ripe and direct, delivering a pleasantly rounded core of cherry and plum compote notes, which are kissed by a hint of red licorice on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

Clear pencil-lead character; this is a classic Pomerol with beautiful balance and ripe raspberry and red cherry fruit. Pretty austere for a second wine, with tension and a firm tannic structure. 3.6 pH. Harvest from September 14 for three and a half weeks.

88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc. Barrel sample. Ripe, sweet, juicy and round. Light, grainy tannins. Perhaps not quite as refreshing as in some years. (JL)

The 2019 Fugue de Nenin comes from 15 hectares on sandier terroir. Matured in 30% new oak, it has a straightforward bouquet of dark cherry, raspberry and a slightly figgy note that gains intensity in the glass. The palate is rounded and supple on entry, with a very smooth texture, offering dark berry fruit mixed with black pepper and spice toward the long finish. This is a fine, quite voluptuous Fugue.

Medium-bodied, early-drinking, Merlot-based charmer with a nice core of soft, textured, round, sweet plums, with a hint of truffle and cocoa to round things out. This is great to drink now while waiting for its big brother to develop. Drink from 2022–2028.

Herbs, restrained bouquet, blackberries, wood, baking chocolate. Firm, core-driven palate with good fruit, finely sandy tannins, bourgeois structure, medium aromatics, austere finish. 16/20 drink - 2032

This remains austere, as it was En Primeur, with tannins pressing in through the mid-palate, not quite bursting with fruit as you might expect in a 2nd wine from Pomerol. This could be the reductive edge on the attack, which clears quickly, leaving a beautifully smoky, crayon and graphite touch. Elegance and bounce to the black cherry fruit, great quality, typical of the estate if not the appellation. 30% new oak, pH 3.56.

The 2019 Fugue de Nenin is made from 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with vibrant scents of black and red cherries, plus notes of warm plums, forest floor, and spice cake with a touch of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is expressive and spicy, with soft, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a peppery note.

Inviting floral expression, fresh red-berry notes. Juicy character on the palate. The wine is indulgent and well supported by its tannins. Best enjoyed young.

Logo on the cork: LA Dark colour with normal intensity. Intense, pure nose with ripe fruit. The palate is all about tactile softness, with fragrance and a delicate, tasty body. Very pleasant. Blend: 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc.

A soft, round wine with a creamy texture, showing berries with some chocolate and tile. It’s medium-bodied with a juicy, savory and cedary finish. Second wine of Nenin with 88% merlot. Hard not to drink now. Drink or hold.

From sandier soils, the 2019 Fugue de Nenin is softer and suppler than the grand vin, offering up aromas of rich cherry and berry fruit, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, melting and enveloping palate. It's an attractive Pomerol that is drinking well out of the gates.