CHÂTEAU DE MERCUÈS
CAHORS, FRANCE
Why Buy: Here's something special: three remarkable Malbecs from one of Cahors' most prestigious estates, including the magnificent Icône WOW 2016 (just 250 cases produced) – and for a limited time, all available at 25% OFF for Concierge Family members! This stellar trio demonstrates the enduring and timeless quality of Cahors Malbec, showing exactly why this region has long been revered by collectors. Here we find Malbecs as they ought to be: powerful, concentrated wines that also deliver remarkable clarity, suppleness, and yes, even elegance. At these prices — and also given their wonderful density and potential for aging — you don’t want to sleep on this one, folks.
What They're Saying: "Seamless, powerful, generous," Wine Spectator gushed over the Icône WOW 2016. James Suckling found a textbook example of Malbec in the Cahors Cuveé 6666 2018, which he extolled as "structured and balanced" wine "with a creamy texture and a flavorful finish.”
The Story: The characteristic texture and majesty of these wines is not by happenstance. The 36-hectare estate, set on a vertiginous cliff, is subject to rigorous vineyard management, with a vine density that recalls the great wines of the Medoc in Bordeaux — 6666 vines per hectare. This, together with the silty clay the region is known for, brings opulence and structure. That number — 6666 — represents more than just density; it reflects Mercuès' deeper understanding of what makes great wine. When vines are forced to compete at this level, they dig deeper, struggle harder, ultimately producing fruit of profound concentration and character. It's a philosophy that has served the estate well, allowing them to craft wines that honor Cahors' centuries-old reputation for producing what medieval wine merchants called "black wine" — Malbecs so deep and intense they seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it.
The Specs: The clay-siliceous soil of Mercuès, coupled with the estate's rocky elevations, are ideal for producing concentrated wines with great aging potential.
Our Tasting Notes: Fruit-forward and with softer tannins than the norm, these Malbecs are remarkable for their agility and finesse, while sacrificing little of Malbec's intensity and size. The Icône WOW leads with waves of blackberry and plum, giving way to subtle hints of violets and warm spice. The Cuvée 6666 shows impressive depth, with dark chocolate and black cherry notes woven through its silky texture. In the Cahors, you'll find that characteristic Mercuès balance of power and grace, where rich dark fruits mingle with hints of leather and crushed herbs, all supported by perfectly integrated tannins.
Fun Fact: A fixture of the postcard-perfect estate is a medieval castle dating to the 13th century that once was the bishop's summer palace.
What to Pair Them With: Braised beef; cassoulet; roast chicken and pan-seared mushrooms; sausage and lentils; turkey mole.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in IL, KS, MI, NE, NY, & TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025.