Henri Germain Meursault Blanc 2017《ZTF249》

Henri Germain Meursault Blanc 2017《ZTF249》

Founded in 1973, Domaine Henri Germain is nestled in the heart of Meursault. Henri Germain purchased some Meursault vineyards from his wife's family, Pillot, and also acquired land in Chassagne. Currently, the estate owns approximately seven hectares of land spread across Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Beaune. The estate is currently run by his son, Jean-François. Since he married François Jobard's daughter, the estate also owns plots of the Poruzots Premier Cru. In 2018, Jean-François' daughter, Lucie, joined the family.

Critics have hailed this estate as an underrated gem. William Kelley of The Wine Advocate once said, "I would argue that Domaine Henri Germain is perhaps Meursault's best-kept secret." This estate boasts a rich history and is renowned for its captivating winery style. For lovers of classic wines, this is a must-see destination. Both the exceptional mature Germain wines and the Germain family's long-standing winemaking tradition are perfectly reflected at this estate.

Owner Jean-François Germain, a representative figure of the Germain family, has earned widespread respect for his dedicated and meticulous winemaking approach. His perseverance and patience imbue each bottle with classic elegance. The resulting wines are rich and profound, with full fruit and a solid structure that demands cellar aging. Over the past decade, the style has become slightly less austere and reductive, perhaps reflecting both climate and technique, but the estate maintains the best of old-fashioned style, with all wines bottled under natural Trescases cork.

The vineyards are intentionally kept to low yields and farmed organically, though not certified. Starting in 2021, the estate will be fully biodynamic.

The estate doesn't harvest early or late, focusing on combining fruit flavor, density, and the necessary structural tension. Grapes are not crushed before pressing, and the wines are aged in oak barrels for 12 to 18 months, with approximately 20% new. Annual production is approximately 30,000 bottles. The resulting wines are elegant and refined, while also displaying incredible richness, complexity, and depth. However, according to the French wine review magazine "La Revue du Vin de France", the winery's wines are not easy to taste when young and usually require a period of cellaring, but the style is "classic, long, harmonious and vibrant."