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, a Grenache, 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 and Bedrock are the sole producers of wine from the vineyard.
The Bambino field blend is from a portion of Old Hill Ranch planted in 1998. The grapes were planted in a fashion very similar to the ancient vines at Old Hill.
Purple in color. 13.8% ABV. Sublime nose of red and black fruits, licorice, baking spices and pepper. Full bodied with medium acidity. Big and rich with vibrant, dark fruits. Black cherry, black raspberry, pepper and a hint of roasted herbs on the palate. Medium length on the finish. Delicious and impossible to beat at the price point. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 91 points.
Bucklin flies under the radar but the field blends are truly some of the best examples from Sonoma County. Consider signing up for the mailing list.
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.