Vignobles Bernard Germain (1996)

Bernard Germain followed his son, Thierry, into the Loire in 1996 buying several properties, including Château de Fesles in Bonnezeaux, after the failure of Gaston Lenôtre’s venture into the wine business. Part of the portfolio that Germain bought into was an eight year lease on the vineyard of the Château de Varennes. All eight vintages, commencing with the 1996 under the Bernard Germain label were made in the cellar at Château de Fesles under Gilles Bigot, Germain’s mâitre de chai. In addition, the vintages between 2005 and 2007 were all made here too, under contract from Alain Château of Château Belle-Rive. As part of Lenôtre’s legacy, Germain also had inherited a contract with the Soulez family during the late 1990s to distribute Château de Chamboureau internationally. With the sale of Château de Fesles in 2008 to Les Grands Chais de France, Bernard Germain has now divested himself of his interests in the Loire.  

The Wines:  
Bright. Mid-full. Yellow-gold. Rich, honeyed nose. Some asparagus, with honeycomb. Lovely, deep and complex nose. Bone dry on entry. Steely, but not without weight. Rich and creamy texture. Typical high acid, but very well integrated. Long finish. All new wood here, but not heavy handed. Forward and open and has potential to age further. (07/99)

1997 Château de Varennes
Bright. Mid-full. Yellow-gold. Rich, honeyed nose. Some asparagus, with honeycomb. Lovely, deep and complex nose. Bone dry on entry. Steely, but not without weight. Rich and creamy texture. Typical high acid, but very well integrated. Long finish. All new wood here, but not heavy handed. Forward and open and has potential to age further. (07/99)

1996 Château de Varennes  
Mid depth. Green hints. Distinct wood on the nose. Acacia and a mildly oxidative character. Evidence of some attractive secondary development. Textured palate but retains a fresh malic acid edge. Broad and waxy. Long and intense finish. Approachable, but could be expected to age further. (02/02)

Bernard Germain  
Chateau de Fesles  
Thouarcé  
T: +33 2 41 68 94 00  
F: +33 2 41 68 94 01  
info@fesles.com  
www.vgas.com

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