95 Points, Vines from the 1880s, Pigs Fly!
A quiet revolution happened at Avalon headquarters. A couple weeks ago we offered a wine made from Californian grapes. Gasp you shall! We've had only positive feedback on it, even a little "what about some other CA wine?" questions. Change happens slowly and like all of our Northwest and Italian offerings, we're going to be ultra-picky about what we offer. With that, look: is that a flying pig I see on the horizon?! Indeed it is. A Sonoma Zinfandel-based one and it's delicious.
The decision was pretty easy. A wine from vines planted in the 1880s? That's super cool and hey, the Northwest has nothing like that. Made by a winemaker with serious Oregon credentials? Check that box as Will Bucklin spent many years as winemaker for King Estate in the Willamette Valley. We are often asked about good Northwest Zins and...there's just not much we can say. But Bucklin's Old Hill Ranch–Wine Spectator raved, we tasted and approved. We think it's great and we're convinced you will, too.
$37.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($41.95 regular)
95 points Wine Spectator, Hot Wine: "Offers plenty of kick but remains focused and balanced, with gutsy smoked pepper, blackberry, bitter chocolate and green peppercorn accents that build structure toward broad-shouldered tannins. An old-school field blend. Zinfandel, Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Grand Noir, Syrah and Carignan. Best from 2023 through 2033."
Our "Ancient Field Blend" comes from the original vines that were planted on Old Hill Ranch in the 1880's. Approximately 65% Zinfandel with the remaining varieties co-harvested and fermented together. Includes Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Petite Sirah, Grand Noir, Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvedre to name a few. 12 Acres, 30 grape varieties, 1 wine. -Bucklin