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, Once & Future and Bedrock are the sole producers of wine from the vineyard.
The “Ancient Field Blend” is from a 12 acre block of vines that were planted in 1885. The vineyard is a mosaic of over two dozen grape varieties — primarily Zinfandel, but also Grenache, Alicante Bouchet, Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Syrah, Carignane, and Tempranillo, to name a few. The grapes are co-fermented together. 12 Acres, 30 grape varieties, 1 wine.
Dark red in color. 15.4% ABV. Riveting nose of dark red fruits, licorice, earth and pepper. Medium to full bodied with exquisite acidity. Threads the needle between modern and Claret in style. Perfectly balanced. Raspberry liqueur, peach, baking spices and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Another super wine from Old Hill Ranch. Best over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 93 points.
Bucklin gets very little press but I would highly suggest visiting their website and ordering a few bottles. The 2017 version is $36 and I have several bottles already in my cellar.
Once & Future (Joel Peterson) also makes a wine labelled as Zinfandel 2018 from Old Hill Ranch. On his web site Joel says he first visited this vineyard in 1975 with Joseph Swan and made wine from it in 1981. There’s a photo of Joel walking through the vineyard with another man – is it Will Bucklin? https://www.onceandfuturewine.com/wines/
Thanks Peter. I actually have some of the 18 Once & Future Zinfandel Old Hill Ranch in the cellar.