Ty Caton
2020 Merlot
, Upper Bench
Sonoma Valley
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
This elegant Merlot greets the nose with rich aromas of chocolate, maraschino cherry and violets, followed by a lush mouth feel with layers of blackberry, currant, and a touch of caramel, cassis and white pepper. Its decadent flavors combine with soft and supple tannins to create a long silky smooth finish. Drink now through 2030.
Stylish, robust, elegant, and showy in its youth, and strengthened by layers of complexity, natural richness, and backbone that will allow the personality of the wine to expand further in the cellar.
Favorite pairings include rosemary and herb crusted lamb chops, beef skewers, and cherry glazed pork loin.
VINEYARD
Located in the foothills of Moon Mountain District, the Caton Vineyard is defined by its sustainable farming and belief that healthier vineyards produce unique and distinctive wines. 3.13 acres of Clone 3 Merlot is planted with East-West row direction leading into a ravine. The deep, rocky volcanic soil on the vineyard is rich with iron clay - an ideal atmosphere for producing the highest quality crop with slow even ripening.
VINTAGE
The 2020 harvest started with excellent growing conditions in Sonoma Valley. Temperature rose consistently through Labor Day while September brought high temperature spikes accelerating the last weeks of harvest. It took a unpredictable turn mid-August with wildfires. Luckily, the early harvest allowed them time to pick the Caton Vineyard with smaller berries and more concentrated fruit.
Winemaker: Ty Caton
Appellation: Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Valley
Vineyard: Estate Grown, Caton Vineyard
Varietals: 100% Merlot
Farming Practices: Certified Sustainable
Alcohol: 14.9%
Tasting Notes 
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Located on the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, the Caton Vineyard is a rugged setting in the Moon Mountain District of Sonoma Valley, ideally situated to grow world-class grapes, and blessed with an outstanding climate of warm, moderate sunshine during the day and cool breezes in the evening.
40 acres of beautiful hillside vineyards are spread out over 108 acres of natural habitat. Ty has a deep respect for the vineyards and a passion for grape growing. His commitment begins in the vineyard, forging a new definition of quality in winemaking and actively seeks excellence in every bottle.
His inaugural vintage 2003, quickly stood out as a "flagship" wine garnering awards in wine publications and competitions. Awarded "Best of Class" several times in the largest competition of American wines in the world. In 2008 he was honored with one of the top five wines of the year in The 27th Annual Quarterly Review of Wines "Best of the Best" Blind Tasting.
Learn more at www.tycaton.com.
