Ty Caton
2021 Merlot
, Upper Bench
Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Valley

91 Points, Wine Enthusiast

This is primo fruit from high elevation vineyards in his Moon Mountain vineyard.  Inky-black in the heart and purple blazing to the rim, offering up a nose of ripe cherry and violet, dried plums, figs, dates, and some black cherry.  The first sip offers a lush mouth feel with layers of blackberry, currant, and a touch of chocolate with plenty of oomph.  The palate builds as black and red berries mix with herb, exotic spices, and supple tannins to create a long, silky smooth finish.

Plenty of room for many years of aging with its silky tannin structure.
Favorite pairings include rosemary and herb crusted lamb chops, beef skewers, and cherry glazed pork loin.

VINEYARD

Located in the foothills of Sonoma Valley, this storied estate hillside vineyard rubs shoulders with some of the finest terroirs in Sonoma County, such as Bismark, Rancho Salina, and is adjacent to the famous Monte Rosso Vineyard.  The Caton Vineyard is defined by its sustainable farming and belief that healthier vineyards produce unique and distinctive wines.  The vineyards have multiple sun exposures, soil types, and vary in altitude over 300 feet between each other.  Their meticulous farming practices showcase the love for the land and a passion for the wines that come from it.  3.13 acres of Clone 3 Merlot were 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 2021 harvest is reported to be one of the best vintages in recent harvests for Northern California. The ongoing draught presented some challenges - limited rainfall and warm growing conditions throughout the summer months resulted in a speedy harvest with lighter yields. The conditions brought smaller berries with exceptional- quality and concentrated flavors.

Winemaker: Ty Caton
Appellation:  Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Valley
Vineyard:  Estate Grown, Caton Vineyard
Varietals: 100% Merlot
Cooperage:  18 Months, 50% new French Oak
Farming Practices:  Certified Sustainable
Alcohol: 14.3%

Tasting Notes  PDF

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