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 and Grenache, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a White Field Blend.
Anne Teller, the Bucklin’s mother, has been farming commercially in Sonoma Valley since the late 1970’s. Her 50-acre farm includes the Upper 5th Vineyard, a century old, one-acre vineyard that is promiscuously interplanted with nut and fruit trees. The vineyard is 67% Zinfandel, 19% Peloursin, 8% Petite Sirah, 3% Carignane and 3% French Colombard.
Ruby red in color. 14.8% ABV. Sublime nose of red fruits, roasted herbs, licorice and pepper. Medium body with strong acidity. Packed with rustic fruits. Cherries, iron, herbs and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Although this is mostly Zinfandel the other varieties are quite prominent. This will age well. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 91 points.
Bucklin gets very little press but I would highly suggest visiting their website and ordering a few bottles. The 2022 vintage of this wine was released recently at a price of $38.
I wrote about Bucklin previously in A Visit with Will Bucklin at Old Hill Ranch. I wrote about Old Hill Ranch in Top 10 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyards.