Château Nénin, Fugue de Nénin, 2020
Château Nénin, Fugue de Nénin, 2020
- 75cl
- 13.5%
- Red Still
- Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: Now - 2035
Fugue is a reference to music; it means a repetition of the main theme. This name makes sense when you taste the wine - Fugue complements the tonalities of its older sibling extremely well, while providing its own attractive and entertaining rendition. The wines are smooth and silky and can be enjoyed earlier than those of the Grand Vin.
Fugue de Nénin was created and first sold in 1997. Fugue comes from sandy-clay soils found in the eastern part of the Château's vineyards, as well as from the young vines planted on the great plateau terroirs. This second wine is a typical example of the charm of Pomerol.
Currently showing beautiful primary fruit character with well-integrated tannins, this 2020 is drinking superbly now. Over the next 3-4 years, the red berry fruit will deepen whilst developing subtle secondary notes of leather and earth. The wine should reach its peak drinking window by 2028-2030, when fruit and complexity achieve perfect balance. Whilst built for medium-term enjoyment rather than decades of cellaring, it will hold its charm through 2035 before the fruit begins to fade.
What the critics say:
"Lovely, pretty fruit to this with a medium to full body and round tannins that fold nicely into the wine. It’s rich and layered. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with a bright, youthful rim suggesting vibrant fruit within.
NosePretty red berry fruit mingles with subtle spice and a touch of cedar from well-integrated oak. There's a freshness here that speaks to the sandy soils and the wine's approachable nature. A gentle floral lift adds to the immediate appeal.
PalateMedium to full body with that signature Pomerol silkiness coating the palate beautifully. The tannins are round and well-integrated, folding seamlessly into layers of ripe plum and cherry. Rich without being heavy, this has real depth whilst maintaining an elegant, food-friendly structure.
FinishLong and satisfying, with the fruit persistence and gentle spice carrying through to a clean, mineral-tinged conclusion.
Overall impressionA textbook example of Pomerol's accessible charm, ready to drink now but with enough substance to reward a few years' patience.
Food Pairings
In Pomerol, this would pair beautifully with the rich, earthy cuisine of the Libournais region. Think confit de canard with garlic-roasted potatoes, or the local speciality of lamprey à la Bordelaise when in season. The wine's silky texture makes it perfect with aged Périgord cheeses like Cabécou, whilst the gentle tannins won't overwhelm dishes featuring wild mushrooms from the nearby forests. Duck breast with cherry sauce would be particularly harmonious, echoing the wine's own fruit character.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C to allow the fruit to express itself fully without masking the wine's natural elegance. A brief decant of 30 minutes will help integrate the components, though it's not essential given the wine's approachable nature. Use generous Burgundy bowls rather than tall Bordeaux glasses to capture the wine's aromatic complexity and silky texture.
Fugue de Nénin comes from the eastern sections of the estate, where sandy-clay soils provide excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for the Merlot to ripen fully. These lighter soils, combined with fruit from younger vines planted on the great plateau terroirs, create wines with immediate charm and accessibility. The sandy component adds finesse and early drinking appeal, whilst the clay underneath provides just enough structure for medium-term cellaring.
Pomerol is Bordeaux's smallest and most exclusive appellation, famous for its Merlot-dominated wines of extraordinary elegance. Unlike the Left Bank, there's no official classification here, but the tiny 800-hectare appellation commands some of the highest prices in Bordeaux. The clay and gravel plateau produces the most concentrated wines, whilst the sandier eastern sections yield more approachable styles like Fugue de Nénin. What unites all Pomerol is an unmistakable silky texture and generous fruit character that makes these wines irresistible.
The 2020 Bordeaux vintage began with one of the wettest winters on record, followed by a scorching summer that nearly broke temperature records across the region. What could have been a disaster became salvation: those deep winter water reserves carried the vines through the heat, while the dry conditions from July onwards concentrated flavours beautifully. The harvest started early and moved quickly, with most châteaux picking under ideal September skies.
We find 2020 Bordeaux surprisingly charming for such a hot year - the wines show ripe, generous fruit without the baked character you might expect. The Merlot-based Right Bank wines are particularly successful, displaying plush damson and blackberry flavours with enough freshness to keep them lively. Cabernet Sauvignon on the Left Bank delivers power and concentration, though some properties struggled more than others with the heat. Most 2020s are drinking beautifully now - this isn't a vintage that demands decades of patience, and we rather like that about it.
FAQs
What does Fugue de Nénin taste like?
This is classic Pomerol in an approachable style: silky and smooth with pretty red berry fruit, round tannins, and elegant structure. It's rich without being heavy, with the characteristic charm that makes Pomerol so appealing.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop gracefully until 2035. Unlike grand vin Bordeaux that needs years to come around, Fugue de Nénin was designed for earlier enjoyment whilst retaining enough structure for medium-term cellaring.
What food pairs well with this Pomerol?
The silky texture and gentle tannins make it perfect with duck, lamb, or aged cheeses. Try it with duck breast and cherry sauce, mushroom risotto, or simply grilled lamb with herbs. The wine's elegance means it won't overpower more delicate preparations.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 16-17°C in generous bowls to capture the aromatics. A brief 30-minute decant helps integrate the wine, though it's approachable straight from the bottle. Use Burgundy-style glasses rather than tall Bordeaux stems.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
While it's designed for earlier drinking than the grand vin, this 2020 will reward 3-5 years of patience. It will develop more complexity by 2028-2030 whilst retaining its essential charm through 2035.
How does this compare to the main Château Nénin wine?
Fugue de Nénin offers an approachable interpretation of the estate's style, with the same elegance but in a more immediately charming package. It comes from sandier soils and younger vines, creating wine that's ready sooner whilst still expressing authentic Pomerol character.
OUR GROWERS
Château Nénin
-
-
Speak to one of our Wine Gurus
Speak to a Wine GuruWith years of experience, our team can help you with all your wine buying and selling needs