Vins d'Alsace Kuentz-Bas

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RVF 2012 " Le Guide des meilleurs vins de France"

Gewurztraminer Collection 2008 = 15

Gewurztraminer GC Pfersigberg Trois Châteaux 2008 = 16

Muscat GC Pfersigberg Cuvée Caroline VT 2008 = 16

Pinot Gris Collection 2008 = 14.5

Pinot Gris GC Eichberg 2008 = 15.5

Pinot Gris Cuvée Jérémy SGN 2007 = 16.5

Riesling 2009 = 14

Riesling Collection 2009 = 14.5

Riesling GC Pfersigberg Trois Châteaux 2008 = 17

Riesling Trois Châteaux 2009 = 16

Sylvaner Trois Châteaux 2009 = 14

Pinot Noir Trois Châteaux 2008 = 14.5

Robert Parker

Wine Advocate may 2011:

“Samuel TOTTOLI suggested that 2008 is one of the better vintages in his experience, although he emphasizes the divergent potential depending on sector, reckoning the stretch from Gueberschwihr to Wintzenheim to have been especially favoured. This caveat is especially applicable to vineyards downhill from Husseren-Les-Chateaux and into Eguisheim, where a fungal expression of early botrytis casts a bit of a pall over some of the wines in the present collection, rendering it in my view – notwithstanding Tottoli—s opinion – the rare exception to 2008-s generally clear superiority vis-a-vis 2009. The 2008s tended to be bottled quite late, a few because they were simply sluggish to ferment, others because Kuentz-Bas on rather short notice began picking their 2009s even before the midpoint of September. –This pips were already browning- insists Tottoli, -the fruit was clearly ripe, -an assessment certainly borne out by the finished wines.

In fact, the main reason there is a –Collection- bottling of neither 2009 Pinot Gris nor Gewurztraminer, says Tottoli, is that the fruit was already too ripe.

The plethora of inexpensive so-called- Tradition- bottling at this address are usually tasty without being particularly distinguished, while serious interest and distinctive deliciousness generally commence with the range known as –Collection. –But several successes with 2009 among Kuentz-Bas-s least expensive wines are notable, not to mention surprising given the overall tendencies of that vintage...”

Stephen Tanzer

“There are many changes to report at this old house, purchased by proprietor / negociant Jean-Baptiste Adam at the end of 2003 and run as a separate entity. For starters, Samuel Tottoli was hired as winemaker in time for the 2004 harvest. Tottoli immediately began to convert the domain to organic viticulture and Kuentz-Bas is certified organic in France as of the 2007 vintage. The house owns 10 hectares of vines and purchases fruit from another 25. Its Tradition and Collection line-ups are made from purchased fruit; in fact, the latter wines, which were previously made from estate fruit, are now from declassified grand cru juice. Tottoli told me he's trying to make "drier and more food-friendly wines across the range."

In the difficult 2006 harvest, the estate made the decision not to offer any grand crus, choosing instead to declassify all of this juice. In my tasting in September, I was unable to sample a few of the top 2007 rieslings, as they were still fermenting. Tottoli told me that all of the 2007s here went through malolactic fermentation. I found a range of quality in the bottles I sampled during my visit here (including some late-release '05s), but the consistency of the '07s here suggests that Tottoli is a very fast learner. (Kermit Lynch, Berkeley, CA)

Wine Spectator

2007 Gewurztraminer VT Cuvée Caroline = 94/100

2008 Pinot Blanc Tradition = 88/100

2008 Riesling Tradition = 92/100

2008 Riesling Grand Cru Pfersigberg TC = 90/100

2008 Riesling Collection = 91/100

2008 Pinot Gris Grand Cru Eichberg TC = 90/100

2008 Pinot Gris Tradition = 90/100

2009 Alsace = 85/100

2009 Pinot Blanc Tradition = 88/100

2009 Riesling Tradition = 90/100

2009 Riesling Trois Chateaux = 89/100

2009 Riesling GC Pfersigberg Trois Chateaux = 93/100

2009 Pinot Gris Trois Chateaux = 91/100

2009 Gewurztraminer GC Pfersigberg TC = 91/100

2009 Pinot Gris VT Cuvée Caroline = 91/100

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Jancis Robinson

2007 Riesling Collection = 15/20

2007 Pinot Gris GC Eichberg = 17.5/20

2007 Gewurztraminer Cuvée Caroline VT = 17/20

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Decanter

2007 Riesling Pfersigberg Trois Châteaux - 4 stars**** 16.8

2008 Pinot Gris GC Eichberg - Bronze Medal

2008 Riesling GC Pfersigberg Trois Chateaux -Bronze Medal

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Bettane et Dessauve 2012

Gewurztraminer GC Pfersigberg 2009 = 16

Pinot Gris Trois Châteaux 2008 = 14

Riesling Trois Châteaux 2008 = 15.5

Gault et Millau 2012

Pinot Noir Trois Châteaux 2008 = 16

Gewurztraminer GC Pfersigberg TC 2008 = 16

Muscat GC Pfersigberg VT Cuvée Caroline 2008 = 16

Riesling GC Pfersigberg TC 2007 = 15.5

Pinot Gris GC Eichberg 2008 = 15.5

Pinot Gris TC 2008 = 15.5

Muscat TC 2008 = 15.5

Gewurztraminer Collection 2007 = 15

Auxerrois TC 2008 = 15

Riesling TC 2007 = 15

Pinot Gris TC 2007 = 14.5

Muscat TC 2009 = 14.5

Riesling TC 2008 = 14

Sylvaner TC 2008 = 13.5

Gilbert et Gaillard 2012

Riesling GC Pfersigberg 2008 note 91/100

Great ranking for the RVF "Revue du Vin de France"!

Great success for:

• Riesling GC Pfersigberg 2010: "A lot of style, the palate of this wine is opulent and expresses exotic notes of pineapple mixed with the chalky notes of the terroir. Everything is well-balanced."

• Pinot Gris GC Eichberg 2010: "A very strong identity in this wine which has a large aromatic range (yellow fruits, orange peel, hazelnut, smoled tea). The wine greatly expresses the minerals that absorbs the sugars. A great wine to open in two years."

"Kuentz-Bas was an emblematic estate of the Alsace region in the 80s and 90s, and was brought back to life since its buyout by J-B Adam in 2003 (Jean-Baptiste Adam estate). "The goal was to pool our teams to manage the vineyard, while keeping the two entities independent for the wine making", Jean-Baptiste Adam explains. The 9 hectares of the vineyard then adopted biodynamic agriculture and the property was taken over by Samuel Tottoli, a young sommelier who moved into viniculture. The results are very satisfying: 2008 and 2009 were excellent, and 2010 worth the great times of the estate."

Bettane & Desseauve 2011

16 Pinot Gris GC Eichberg Trois Châteaux 2008

16.5 Gewurztraminer GC Pfersigberg Trois Châteaux 2007

16 Riesling GC Pfersigberg Trois Châteaux 2008

14.5 Sylvaner Trois Châteaux 2008

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Gault et Millau 2011

14 Riesling Tradition 2008

14.5 Pinot Gris Tradition 2007

13.5 Sylvaner Trois Châteaux 2008

15 Auxerrois Trois Châteaux 2008

15.5 Muscat Trois Châteaux 2008

14.4 Pinot Gris Trois Châteaux 2007

14 Pinot Gris Collection 2007

15 Gewurztraminer Collection 2007

15.5 Riesling GC Pfersigberg 2007

15.5 Pinot Gris GC Eichberg 2008

16 Pinot Gris VT Cuvée Caroline 2008

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Stephen Tanzer

2009 Riesling Tradition 87

2008 Riesling Tradition 89

2008 Pinot Gris Tradition 88

2009 Riesling Collection 89

2008 Riesling Collection 88

2008 Pinot Gris Collection 88

2008 Gewurztraminer Collection 90

2008 Pinot Gris Eichberg 91

2008 Pinot Gris Trois Chateaux 89

2009 Gewurztraminer Pfersigberg Trois Chateaux 90

2008 Gewurztraminer Pfersigberg Trois Chateaux 90

2008 Pinot Gris Cuvee Caroline Vendanges Tardives 90

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Bettane et Dessauve 2010

« From a the numerous domaine owned vines and negoce purchases of grapes on the mostly limestone grand cru hills of Eguisheim and Husseren les Châteaux, Kuentz-Bas produces wines of great depth and with great cellaring potential. This domaine is making a comeback to the front scenes of Alsace viticulture with its 2005 vintage showing great depth; it’s incredibly pure 2006 vintage, and a 2007 vintage showing complexity and great aging potential. »

• Gewurztraminer Collection 2005...........................15.5
• Gewurztraminer Cuvée Caroline VT 2007................17
• Muscat Collection 2007..........................................16.5
• Pinot Noir Collection Rare 2007................................16
• Riesling Collection Rare 2005................................16.5

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Gault et Millau 2010

« This small Estate with a glorious past, somewhat fell asleep on its reputation in the late 1990s. The acquisition by JB ADAM in 2004, who engaged Kuentz-Bas in biodynamic viticulture, gave it clear second breath. The arrival of Samuel Tottoli as winemaker, allowed the estate to re-create that has contributed to its prestigious reputation. The Collections Rares are well structured with fat, volume, powerful such as the beautiful Pinot Gris. The 2007s, show great finesse due to the vintage, with a refreshing finish on the Eichberg Pinot Gris. If you like crisp Vendanges Tardives, try the 2007 Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris Cuvée Caroline. Also try the gorgeous Pinot Noir, peppery and expressing red fruit notes. »

• Gewurztraminer Pfersigberg GC Trois Châteaux 2007............15
• Gewurztraminer Pfersigberg Cuvée Caroline VT 2007.............16
• Pinot Gris Collection 2005....................................................14
• Pinot Gris Cuvée Caroline VT 2007 .....................................15.5
• Pinot Gris Eichberg GC 2007................................................15
• Pinot Gris Cuvée Jérémy SGN 2005.....................................15.5
• Riesling Collection Rare 2005...............................................15
• Riesling Tradition 2007..........................................................14
• Pinot Noir Trois Châteaux 2007.............................................16

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Decanter

Riesling Pfersigberg Trois Châteaux 2007 .......4 étoiles**** 16.8

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Stephen Tanzer

Nov/Dec 08
There are many changes to report at this old house, purchased by proprietor/negociant Jean-Baptiste Adam at the end of 2003 and run as a separate entity. For starters, Samuel Tottoli was hired as winemaker in time for the 2004 harvest. Tottoli immediately began to convert the domain to organic viticulture, and Kuentz-Bas is certified organic in France as of the 2007 vintage. The house owns 10 hectares of vines and purchases fruit from another 25. Its Tradition and Collection line-ups are made from purchased fruit; in fact, the latter wines, which were previously made from estate fruit, are now from declassified grand cru juice.

Tottoli told me he's trying to make "drier and more food-friendly wines across the range." In the difficult 2006 harvest, the estate made the decision not to offer any grand crus, choosing instead to declassify all of this juice. In my tasting in September, I was unable to sample a few of the top 2007 rieslings, as they were still fermenting. Tottoli told me that all of the 2007s here went through malolactic fermentation. I found a range of quality in the bottles I sampled during my visit here (including some late-release '05s), but the consistency of the '07s here suggests that Tottoli is a very fast learner. (Kermit Lynch, Berkeley, CA)
Also recommended: 2007 "Alsace" (85), 2006 Pinot Blanc Tradition (86), 2006 Pinot Gris Collection (86), 2006 Gewurztraminer Collection (86), 2005 Pinot Noir Collection Rare (86), 2007 Muscat Collection (85).

• 2007 Riesling Tradition...............................................................88
• 2007 Riesling Collection.............................................................87
• 2006 Riesling Collection.............................................................88
• 2007 Pinot Gris Tradition.............................................................87
• 2007 Pinot Gris Collection...........................................................88
• 2007 Pinot Gris Trois Châteaux............................................87-89
• 2007 Pinot Gris Trois Châteaux Eichberg.................................90
• 2005 Pinot Gris Trois Châteaux Eichberg.................................92
• 2007 Gewurztraminer Tradition...................................................88
• 2007 Gewurztraminer Collection.................................................88
• 2007 Gewurztraminer Trois Châteaux Pfersigberg...........92-94
• 2007 Pinot Noir Collection............................................................87
• 2007 Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive Cuvee Caroline................92
• 2007 Gewurztraminer Vendange Tardive Cuvee Caroline.....89
• 2007 Pinot Gris SGN Cuvee Jeremy...........................................94

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Jancis Robinson

• Riesling Collection 2007.........................................................15/20
• Pinot Gris GC Eichberg 2007..............................................17.5/20
• Gewurztraminer Cuvée Caroline 2007 VT...........................17/20

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Parker

Guide Parker nouvelle édition

Wine Advocate avril 2009:

“From 2004, the Kuentz-Bas Domaine which had in 2001 been somewhat reduced in size by a split between its then managing partners, has belonged to the large Ammerschwihr winery JB ADAM (whose eponymous wines I did not however have chance to re-visit this year). Beginning with 2004, young Samuel Tottoli has been in charge, and from the wines I tasted, his obvious enthusiasm and detail-consciousness (as well as he maintains a biodynamic viticultural turn), are having salutary results.
Tottoli’s background was in a restaurants and he is at pains to move the style of these wines in a direction that will be food-friendly, with at most discreet sweetness.”
David Schildknecht (February ,2008)

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Les plus grands VINS D'EUROPE de Deborah RUDETZKI

KUENTZ-BAS, VINS GOURMANDS

"Aujourd'hui le sylvaner, qui ne représente plus que 5 % des cépages alsaciens, est arraché, déplore Samuel Tottoli, maître de chai chez Kuentz-Bas. D'autant que le cépage y gagne lorsque les vignes prennent de l'âge. Le Zotzenberg en sylvaner a même obtenu la dérogation « Grand Cru » alors qu'habituellement la consécration est réservée aux gewurztraminer, riesling, pinot gris et muscat. André Bas, maire de Husseren-le-Château en 1925 et élu député haut-rhinois en 1945, a beaucoup oeuvré pour promouvoir la viticulture alsacienne. Aujourd'hui, le domaine Kuentz-Bas constitue un modèle de vins racés, grâce notamment à une fermentation en fût de chêne (à l'exception du muscat et du gewurztraminer qui doivent conserver leur fruité) entre un et... douze mois. « l'intérêt du vin réside dans sa complexité, affirme Samuel Tottoli, il faut le réinventer tous les ans. » Kuentz-Bas, en biodynamie depuis 2004, produit des vins avec tous les cépages alsaciens. Le pinot gris Grand Cru Eichberg 2001 rappelle la nectarine et l'abricot et une acidité calcaire malgré une certaine sucrosité, le riesling Grand Cru Pfersigberg 2001 possède une grande finesse, une salinité, un goût de noyau de pêche de vigne remarquable, le gewurztraminer Pfersigberg 2001 évolue magnifiquement sur des plats exotiques, avec ses arômes de rose, de clou de girofle. Sommelier de métier, Samuel Tottoli travaille ses vins avec l'idée de les voir sur une belle table et de les accompagner de mets adaptés."