Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The March Zinfandel of the Month is the 2018 Anne’s Upper 5th Vineyard Field Blend.
I chose this bottle as my Zinfandel of the Month because the winery is currently offering their ’20 version to the mailing list and I have never tried this wine. The mailer landed just this past week.
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, two Grenache, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a White Field Blend.
Anne’s Field Blend comes from The Upper 5th vineyard that was planted in the 1940’s and is located across the highway from Old Hill Ranch on Oak Hill Farm. The field blend is 67% Zinfandel, 19% Peloursin (closely akin to Petite Sirah), 8% Petite Sirah, 3% Carignane and 3% French Colombard. The vineyard is interplanted with nut and fruit trees.
Purple in color. 14.8% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red and black fruits, citrus and pepper. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Sneaky power and concentration. Great balance. Cherry, blackberry, blood orange and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Both the vineyard and the wine are a throwback to a bygone era. Compelling field blend that has the structure to age well for years to come. Best over the next 4-6 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Bucklin gets very little press but I would highly suggest visiting their website and ordering a few bottles. At $32 this wine is a bargain. I’ll try to make this simple. Sign up for the list, order the wine and thank me later.
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.