Bucklin Winery was founded in 2000 by the four Bucklin siblings: Arden, Kate, Ted and Will. Will Bucklin has been a vintner for over 25 years, working in France, Australia, Sonoma, Mendocino and Oregon. Bucklin produces several Zinfandels, a Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and a White Field Blend.
Old Hill Ranch is a historic jewel. It was founded by William McPherson Hill in 1851. The vineyard came into the Bucklin family when it was purchased in 1981. Bucklin and Bedrock are the sole producers of wine from the vineyard.
The Bambino field blend is from a portion of Old Hill Ranch planted in 1998. The grapes were planted in a fashion very similar to the ancient vines at Old Hill.
Crimson in color. 14.6% ABV. Reticent nose of red and black fruits, baking spices and earth. Medium body with ample acidity. Young and grapey. Black cherry, plums, earth and pepper on the palate. Medium length on the finish. Such a contrast from the exquisite old vine Zin from the very same vineyard. Delicious now but will these grapes ever be the equal of the ancient vines? Give this wine another year or two in the cellar.
My rating: 91 points.
Bucklin gets very little press but I would highly suggest visiting their website and ordering a few bottles. At $24 this wine is a bargain and will have a place in my cellar.
Tom: This is the type of article I really appreciate (although all of your articles are great). There are probably scores of great wineries in California, Oregon and Washington that we wine drinkers never discover–especially those of us in the east. I have been buying from Carlisle and Bedrock for a handful of years, and discovered one of my favorites (Jaffurs-Santa Barbara) just a few years ago. Bought my first few bottles of Bucklin just last month but haven’t opened one yet. I know you mention small, under recognized wineries in many of your articles but have you thought of having a regular feature–or maybe just in “random musings” specifically about them. Something like “my 10 favorite little known but outstanding wineries of the Northwest”. Jaffurs has become my favorite white wine winery so if you aren’t familiar with them you might want to try their Viognier and Grenache Blanc. Regards, Bruce Beaudin
Thanks for the comment Bruce. Let me kick your idea around a little bit. Some wineries come to mind almost immediately.