Nicolas was not always a winemaker. Unlike his cousins, he lived his own life, far away from Bordeaux. After his brilliant studies in law and philosophy in Bordeaux, Paris and Switzerland, Nicolas taught philosophy in Reims for several years. In 1983, however, the lure of the vineyards of Puygueraud became too great and he returned to his native region of Bordeaux. His first year in Puygueraud was a lesson in reality, in the essence of winemaking. With Emile Peynaud's book in one hand and pruning shears in the other, he started his first vintage.

In 1988, Nicolas seized the opportunity to buy another neighboring wine estate: Château Charmes Godard. The various plots are planted with both white and blue grape varieties. The soil is a mix of limestone and clay with some loam, with a marl-like surface underneath. The grape varieties for red are 70 percent Merlot and 30 percent Cabernet Franc. White grape varieties are planted on the small plot of 1.5 hectares, accounting for 65 percent semillon, 20 percent sauvignon gris and 15 percent muscadelle. Two years later, Château La Prade was purchased, which is also located on the limestone plateau of Saint-Cibard. This 7-hectare property is planted with 85 percent merlot and 15 percent cabernet franc, resulting in rich and juicy wines with a pleasant freshness. The last domain Nicolas bought was Château Alcée in Côtes de Castillon.