Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2017 Bucklin Bambino Field Blend Old Hill Ranch – Bottle Notes

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. Super nose of red and black fruits, peach, anise and pepper. Full bodied with strong acidity. The pedigree of Old Hill Ranch but the flavor profile leaves little doubt these grapes are from younger vines. Black cherry, boysenberry, earth and pepper on the palate. Nice length on the finish. Great wine for the price and a pretty good showing for the ’17 vintage. Best over the next 1-2 years.

My rating: 91 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. Look for the 2018 vintage.

I previously wrote about Old Hill Ranch in Top 10 Old Vine Zinfandel Vineyards.

Tagged ,

Leave a Comment