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. 14.8% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, citrus, anise and pepper. Medium body with strong acidity. Exceptionally concentrated with tart, dark fruits. Black raspberry, strawberry, pomegranate and blood orange on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. More savory than most Zins but it works so well in this instance. Getting better with bottle age. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 92 points.
Bucklin gets very little press but I would highly suggest visiting their website and ordering a few bottles. The 2024 vintage of this wine will be released early next 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.