Bucklin Old Hill Ranch Otto's Grenache Sonoma Valley 2023

Few vineyards in Sonoma can claim the quiet magic of Old Hill Ranch. Tucked in the heart of Sonoma Valley, the site stretches nearly a mile from end to end, touching both the foothills of Sonoma Mountain and the Mayacamas, yet it's only a tenth of a mile wide. It's a sliver of land, but one that packs in an extraordinary amount of geological drama.

Right through its center runs Butler Creek, dividing the ranch into two very different worlds. The west side, home to Bucklin's famed Ancient and Bambino blocks, sits on deep Tuscan red clay that encourages roots to dive deep. But the east side, where Otto's Grenache grows today, couldn't be more different. Here, a stubborn layer of volcanic tuff lies just beneath shallow topsoil. It stresses the vines, limiting vigor and naturally concentrating flavor, which are conditions that Grenache absolutely loves.

The Old Hill Ranch is farmed with an almost archaeological respect for its past. Across the property, they produce roughly 10 distinct wines a year, each shaped by the quirks of its location and the thoughtful, hands-on farming that keeps this historic vineyard alive and expressive.

The 2023 Otto's Grenache is a vivid reminder of why this site matters. In the glass, it pours a deep, youthful purple. Aromas of blackberry leap forward, ripe but never heavy, lifted by a whisper of eucalyptus and framed by subtle toasty oak. The palate is energetic and bright, with Grenache's signature purity of fruit and a touch of pleasantly firm, slightly bitter tannin that adds definition rather than weight. The finish is long, fresh, and quietly confident. This is Grenache with a sense of place—distinct, savory, and unmistakably Old Hill.