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 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.
Purple in color. 14.2% ABV. Awesome nose of black fruits, citrus and baking spices. Full bodied with ample acidity. Big, plush and well balanced. Black cherry, black raspberry, cocoa and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Delicious and easy to drink. If your tempted by the 19 Ancient Vines drink this instead. Best over the next 2-3 years at which point the Ancient Vines will be singing.
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.
I previously wrote about Old Hill Ranch in Top 10 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyards. I visited Bucklin recently and wrote about it in A Visit with Will Bucklin at Old Hill Ranch.