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. 14.2% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red and black fruits, baking spices and pepper. Medium body with mouth watering acidity. Rustic, Claret style Zinfandel. Well balanced. Black cherry, raspberry, earth and pepper on the palate. Medium length on the finish. Delicious and easy to drink. One of the better Zin values out there. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 92 points.
Bucklin gets very little press but I would highly suggest visiting their website and ordering a few bottles. At $24 this wine is a bargain and will have a place in my cellar.
I previously wrote about Old Hill Ranch in Top 10 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyards.
Are you considering “Once & Future” as “Bedrock”? (Once & Future Old Hill Ranch Zinfandel 2018)
No. Good catch. I had forgot Once & Future did an Old Hill Ranch Zin in 2018 (despite ordering some). I will update this post. Thanks!