Wines Côtes-de-bourg Château S Ifs - Cuvée Spéciale - 2012

Viniou Reviews

Château S Ifs 2012, Cuvée Spéciale, hails from the esteemed Côtes-de-Bourg appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, where the interplay of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon often dominates blends, resulting in generous, structured reds. The 2012 vintage, marked by a cooler and wetter spring followed by a warm, dry late summer, has yielded wines of poise and elegance, favouring freshness and fine tannins. Cuvée Spéciale suggests a selection from the best parcels or barrels, allowing further complexity to develop. Expect a deep ruby colour, with aromas of ripe black cherry, wild blackberry, subtle oak and a gentle touch of cedar. The palate should show rounded tannins, supple fruit, and refined acidity, all supporting notes of blackcurrant, plum and a hint of spice—a gratifying example of classic Bordeaux winemaking.

Côtes-de-Bourg is often described as the "little Switzerland of the Gironde" due to its rolling hills and rich, diverse soils—predominantly clay-limestone with pockets of gravel—ideal for Merlot’s plush texture and Cabernet’s structural backbone. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, fostered by its proximity to the Gironde estuary, which ensures mild winters, moderate rainfall, and mitigated risk of frost. Viticulture here can trace its roots back to Roman times, and today, Côtes-de-Bourg is prized for accessible yet full-bodied Bordeaux wines characterised by drinkability and charm.

For food pairings, a wine of this depth and balance would elevate classic Bordelais dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (ribeye with a red wine and shallot sauce) or confit de canard. It will also sit beautifully alongside roast lamb with garlic and rosemary, cassoulet, or hard cheeses like Comté or Ossau-Iraty. For a regional touch, pair with local mushrooms or duck in a red wine reduction.

When serving, decant Château S Ifs 2012 for at least thirty minutes to allow it to open up and reveal its aromatic complexity. Enjoy it at 16-18°C to appreciate the harmony of its fruit, structure and finesse.