2014 Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Field Blend, Sonoma Valley. Man, this vineyard is a treasure and Will does an incredible job with his own fruit. Classic, old-school style Zinfandel with Deep, dark fruit, but leaning more rustic and savory. Drinking really well but some tannin on the finish suggests that there’s no rush…which makes sense. This is Old Hill!
13 Likes
Will owns Old Hill Ranch? I had no idea. Cool! Nice note!
1 Like
Yep! It’s such an amazing vineyard. Was fortunate to visit and spend some time with Will a few years back - just an awesome experience 
Awkward? Lol
2 Likes
15.3% is tough for me to swallow these days. Rich, I didn’t notice any markers in your note about warmth, so it sounds like the wine is in good balance. I know you tend to have a lot more experience with large-scaled wines than I do, what do you think about how this wine might be in another 5-10 years?
1 Like
Ha! Edited so its now less awkward 
1 Like
Yep, i totally hear you Kirk! But while the ABV is definitely on the ‘higher’ side, it does not detract from the wine at all.
And great question on how it might show in 5 to 10 years. Heres a note on the 2001 that i drank late last year
Wow. I’ve been fortunate enough to drink quite a few zins/field blends across many of the top producers and quite a few vintages (my auction hunting game is pretty decent, ha!), so I’d like to consider my bar being fairly high. That said, this was outstanding! I wanted to open something that was structured but still had plenty fruit, and this was spot on perfect. Will’s 2nd vintage of this wine I believe. Killer nose of florals and spice, with black fruits and pepper in the mouth, and an almost bitter cassis like note. It’s very well integrated but still surprisingly showing some tannin on the long finish. But the acidity and fruit are playing together perfectly to create an incredible mouthfeel and just a ton of pleasure. I’m absolutley loving this right now and could not be happier that I opened it tonight… but also think that there’s upside over the next 5+ years, so will plan to hold my last bottle for a while. Amazing job @willbuckzin
2 Likes
That’s what I thought you had in mind. They need to pump the brakes on the autocorrect/spellcheck shit.
1 Like
Thank you Sir! I also really appreciate your thoughts on the 2001…
1 Like
Had the 2012 about two weeks ago and it, too, was lovely. Definitely no alcoholic heat noticeable. I have a lone '13 that I should pull soon and check in on.
1 Like