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.
Crimson in color. 15.3% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, citrus, baking spices and flowers. Medium body with ample acidity. Light and fresh but lacking complexity. Cherry, cranberry, blood orange and a touch of earth on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Not the best vintage but my bar is high with Bucklin so this was a little underwhelming. Best over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 88 points.
Bucklin gets very little press but I would highly suggest visiting their website and ordering a few bottles. The 2023 vintage of this wine will be released later this year at a price near $40.
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.