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Kuentz-Bas

Kuentz-Bas has its origins in 1795, when a winemaking business was founded by Joseph Kuentz. In 1918 a marriage between the Kuentz and Bas families resulted in considerable expansion of the domaine, as the two families combined their vineyards and changed the name of the business to Kuentz-Bas. From then on the family firm went from strength to strength, although it wasn't all plain sailing. The buildings and cellars were severely damaged during the Second World War, and the family needed five years to get the business back on its feet.

In modern times the business has been handled very well - until recently at least - by cousins Christian Bas and Jacques Weber, with Christian the more public face of the firm, travelling the globe to market their wines. Jacques has always been in charge of making the wines. There have, however, been reports of a downturn in quality, which preceded Jacques Weber's departure from the firm. Weber took his vineyards with him when he left in 2001. These totalled 3.4 ha in all, and included some Grand Cru plots in Pfersigberg and Eichberg. Weber's wines are now made by Paul Zinck, whereas the firm of Kuentz-Bas was taken over by Jean-Baptiste Adam; Christian Bas was retained despite this change.

The most impressive wines in the Kuentz-Bas stable have undoubtedly been the Grand Cru Gewurztraminers (Eichberg in particular) and their late harvest wines, Cuvée Caroline and Cuvée Jeremy, the latter being a Sélection de Grains Nobles. They also make a range of good value wines under the Signature and Collection labels. Only time will tell whether quality at Kuentz-Bas will be maintained in the light of recent events, but I will be watching with interest. (27/7/04)

Contact details:
Address: 14, route des Vins, BP 7, 68420 Husseren-les-Chateaux
Telephone: +33 (0) 3 89 49 30 24
Fax: +33 (0) 3 89 49 23 39
Internet: www.kuentz-bas.fr

Kuentz-Bas - Tasting Notes

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Kuentz-Bas Tokay Pinot Gris Collection 2001: Tropical fruit with a mineral not, quite a heady perfume really. Low in acidity, fat and round on the palate. A little blowsy in truth. Floral, perfumed fruit. Not sufficiently balanced for my liking. 13/20 (May 2004)

Kuentz-Bas Riesling Grand Cru Pfersigberg 2000: Powerful nose, very minerally, with lime fruit. Very typical and showing some quality. Very primary lime fruit on the palate also, with minerals again. A gentle texture, a little rounded, and nicely balanced. This has potential, but needs time - five years plus I would say. 16.5/20 (May 2004)

Kuentz-Bas Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Eichberg 1999: Crushed rocks with fat, ripe lychee and perfumed fruit on the nose. Fat and elegant on the palate, and although the acidity is on the low side it does have a tingly presence. It lacks balance but, unusually for me in that case, I like it. But it doesn't have the impact and elegance of previous vintages. 16/20 (May 2004)

Kuentz-Bas Muscat d'Alsace Collection 1999: Classic Muscat nose of aromatic, perfumed grapes. Moderate weight on the palate, similar heady aromatics, nice texture and correct acidity. Good drinking. 15/20 (May 2001)

Kuentz-Bas Muscat d'Alsace Reserve Exceptionelle 1997: A mid-golden colour. The nose initially seems grapey and very fresh. Then floral, aromatic nuances become apparent. It has a good oily mouthfeel and lovely weight. Fresh crisp acidity married with this texture makes for a good wine. More floral elements. Finishes well. 15/20 (October 2000)

Kuentz-Bas Tokay Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive Cuvée Caroline 1997: A pale golden colour. Intensely waxy aromas on the nose, with pineapple fruit and bacon. On the palate, a rich, slightly oily texture is immediately apparent. There's good, sweet pineapple fruit, with a slightly bitter, nutty twist which gives some structure to the wine. The acidity takes a back seat, but is present in a just sufficient amount. I left the wine for a day or so and returned to find it fat and sweet, with no trace of bitterness, and much better balance. Not as racy or as nerveux as the 1996, which was more structured and intricate, but still delightful. 18/20 (July 2002) Label

Kuentz-Bas Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Eichberg 1996: Like the Cuvée Caroline, this is not an intensely coloured wine. Great varietal typicity on the nose, with freshly peeled lychees and spice, and hints of other tropical fruits. A superbly executed balance on the palate, with a moderate weight sitting nicely with the oily texture of Gewurztraminer, but with tingling notes of spice and perfectly correct acidity. Very elegant indeed, a feature of Eichberg wines. Lots more lychee and citrus peel flavours, with a sharp, citrus twang to the finish. Delicious length. The second of two superb wines from Kuentz-Bas, clearly a producer to buy with confidence. 18/20 (May 2001)

Kuentz-Bas Tokay Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive Cuvée Caroline 1996: A moderately coloured golden wine, considering the richness that ensues. The nose drips with aromas of honeyed pineapples and tropical fruit salad. Aromatic, floral and lychee notes give further interest. This wine has elegance rather than unctuous power on the palate, with only a moderate weight on entry, and a superb balance of sweetness and acidity evident on the midpalate. Nevertheless, there are plenty of luscious tropical fruit flavours with a honeyed streak, together with an austere, background minerality. Despite the enjoyable flavours, the palate is quite tight and this wine clearly has many years of ageing potential. Hints of complexity yet to come are evident on the glorious finish, with notes of white pepper and almonds. Delicious stuff. 18.5/20 (July 2001) Label