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. Sublime nose of red and black fruits, anise and pepper. Medium to full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Well balanced with dark, brooding fruits. Black cherry, raspberry liqueur, boysenberry and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. The best version of this wine in recent memory. Drink over the next 4-6 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Bucklin gets very little press but I would highly suggest visiting their website and ordering a few bottles. The 2025 vintage of this wine will be released early next year.
I recently visited with Will Bucklin and wrote about it in A Visit with Will Bucklin at Old Hill Ranch.