Bucklin 2008 Old Hill Ranch, Sonoma Valley Zinfandel

The color of Bucklin's signature Old Hill Zin is dark purple and the aromas are wonderfully complex. Old Hill Zin is known for its herbal complexity and the 2008 is no exception. The spice character tends towards black-pepper and cardamom while the fruit component is very intense and has an impressive array of raspberry, blackberry, and ripe plums. The French oak contributes toast and vanilla aromas while the tannins are big, ripe and smooth on the finish.

94 points, Connoisseurs' Guide (May 2012): “When Old Hill Zinfandels are right, they are very right, and this outstanding effort ranks with the best. From its deep, layered, decidedly complex aromas of stony soil, briar, cocoa and berries to its very rich and equally compelling flavors, the wine reaches well beyond simple fruit. It is solid and sturdy in structure with the bones of a big claret, and it will age famously."

90 points, Wine Spectator (April 30, 2012): “Concentrated and appealingly rustic, this Zin features smoky cracked pepper and wild berry aromas and ripe, layered flavors of plum, sage and licorice…”

Just 681 cases were made.  Drink now or hold 10-12 years.

This wine was recently featured in The California Wine Club's wine of the month club.