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.
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, Carlisle 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.
Bright crimson in color. 15.3% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, anise, eucalyptus and pepper. Medium body with strong acidity. Well balanced with plentiful bright, tangy fruits. Raspberry compote, cranberry, blood orange and white pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. I preferred this wine several years ago but it is hard to quibble with how it is showing at nine years of age. For me this would be best over the next year or so.
My rating: 92 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 this Fall.
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.