Nicolas Herbert is the co-founder of The Herbert Agency, a communications agency based in New York. He is also a content creator with the Instagram account laurandnicolas , which he shares with his wife Laura. A great wine lover, he agreed to answer a few questions while tasting the estate's Parcelle interdite cuvée.
How did you become a wine lover?
I've always had a weakness for the finer things in life, and wine was part of my daily life from a young age. At the dinner table, my parents often opened bottles of Bordeaux or Rhône, and for me, it was a gateway to a rich and complex world. The real revelation came when I met Laura at a mutual friend's wine bar. That evening, we spent hours talking, glass in hand, and it was as if the wine helped break the ice and create an immediate connection. Since then, this passion has become something we share and cultivate together.
What is your best tasting memory?
Without a doubt, the evening I met Laura remains my best wine-related memory. We were in an intimate setting, a warm, dimly lit bar, where different vintages of Charles Heidsieck champagne were served. I remember the sound of the corks popping, the bubbles fizzing in the glasses, and above all, our laughter echoing through the room. That moment, shared around those exceptional bottles, marked the beginning of our story, and every time I drink champagne, I think back to that special evening.
Tonight, I'm enjoying this bottle solo, which is quite rare for me. I love sharing wine because it has a way of bringing people together, but the last few months have been particularly trying. Laura has had to go to the emergency room three times in six months, and she just had her gallbladder removed, so she can't drink right now. Still, I'm taking this moment for myself, as a break from my sometimes chaotic daily life, to fully appreciate this bottle in a calm atmosphere, with a good book and a jazz playlist in the background.
Armand Heitz's 2022 Parcelle Interdite is simply captivating. Its brilliant golden color reflects the light in an almost hypnotizing way. On the nose, the aromas explode: stone fruit, ripe citrus, and an intriguing herbal hint. On the palate, there's a superb tension between freshness and depth, with a beautiful minerality reminiscent of the terroir. The slightly saline finish is of rare elegance, making you want to savor each sip more slowly than the last.
“The story behind this vintage adds extra depth to the experience. It’s a bottle that tells a story before you even open it, and I find that fascinating.”
Yes, the aesthetic of this bottle immediately appealed to me. I'm a fan of bold design, and the story behind this vintage adds extra depth to the experience. The fact that it represents a kind of "rebellion" against traditional norms really resonates with me. It's a bottle that tells a story even before you open it, and I find that fascinating.
About its history : The cuvée was named by Armand because it is a plot of Sauvignon Blanc that he planted in 2018 between Puligny and Chassagne. Europe had just liberalized planting rights in the Vin de France appellation, but the unions and appellation representatives did not see this opportunity to diversify our dying vineyards favorably and wanted to prohibit this possibility. This is why it is called “Forbidden Parcel”.
What do you think about the diversification of grape varieties, particularly in Burgundy?
I think this is an excellent initiative. Evolution is essential for viticulture to remain dynamic and relevant in the face of climate change and the tastes of wine lovers. By diversifying grape varieties, we open the door to unexpected discoveries and a new interpretation of great terroirs. This doesn't mean denying traditions, but rather enriching them and giving them new life.
In your opinion, should we expect wines to express their terroir more than the grape variety from which they are made?
It's a complex question, but I would say that a great wine must strike a balance between these two dimensions. The grape variety is like a singer's voice, but the terroir is the acoustics of the room where he sings. Together, they create perfect harmony. Some wines captivate me with their varietal typicity, while others surprise me with their ability to express the uniqueness of a specific place. It all depends on what you're looking for at the time.
Very nice metaphor! Let's go back a few months. Dry January has become trendy in recent years, but at the estate we prefer to make Drink January . What does this idea inspire in you? Does a dandy like you let his way of life be dictated?
I'm not a fan of "dry January," as I believe it's all about moderation and enjoying wine in the right amounts. Rather than following a trend or rigid rules, I prefer to savor good things thoughtfully throughout the year. The idea of "drink January" resonates much more with me, as it invites us to rediscover wine as a way of life, even in the middle of winter.
Social media is a fantastic tool, but it's not exempt from the Évin Law. Do you take care not to cross the line with your posts? Do you find it a shame to be restricted and not be able to speak freely about your interest in wine?
I find the Évin law a bit strict, even though I understand its purpose. That said, it sometimes limits the ability to share exciting content about wine and educate an audience in a fun way. I'm wondering if this law applies in Belgium or if it's a French specificity. In New York, there are no such restrictions, which allows for greater freedom to talk about wine, but it still requires a responsible approach.
“A wine never tastes better than when it is tasted on site, surrounded by the landscapes that saw its birth.”
Being an influencer requires a lot of travel. I think you're sensitive to environmental issues. Do you buy wine to compensate and support farmers who maintain the land?
I do my best to support local producers committed to environmentally friendly practices. Buying their wines is a way to contribute to the preservation of terroirs and know-how, especially in a world where sustainable agriculture is crucial for the future. It is also a way to pay tribute to the passionate and often difficult work of these wine artisans.
I haven't seen any posts on your Burgundy account. When are you coming to see us so we can taste our wines there ?
We pass through Burgundy once a year on our way to the south of France, but we've never taken the time to truly explore the region. This summer could be the perfect opportunity: to stop for a few days, visit cellars, meet winemakers, and taste their wines in their original setting. After all, a wine never tastes better than when it's enjoyed on site, surrounded by the landscapes that gave it its birth.
