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

91 Points, Wine Enthusiast

Tasting Notes

This elegant Merlot greets the nose with rich aromas of ripe cherry and violets, followed by a lush mouth feel with layers of blackberry, currant, and a touch of chocolate. These flavors combine with soft and supple tannins to create a long, silky smooth finish.

Caton 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.

2021 Vintage Notes

The 2021 harvest is reported to be one of the best vintages in recent harvests for Northern California. The ongoing drought 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.
Ty Caton Vineyards is committed to producing the finest wines made from the highest quality grapes and wine-making dedication at its best. Our limited production allows us to handcraft wines with varietal intensity and balance.

Specs

• Varietal: 100% Merlot
• Farming Practices: Certified Sustainable
• Appellation: Moon Mountain District ~ Sonoma Valley
• Region: Estate Grown, Caton Vineyard
• Cooperage: 18 months, 60% new French Oak
• Alcohol: 14.3%
• Bottling Date: April 2022
• Production: 400 Cases

What’s Included

3-bottles:

• 3x 2021 Ty Caton Estate Upper Bench Merlot, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Valley
  Case:
• 12x 2021 Ty Caton Estate Upper Bench Merlot, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Valley

Price Comparison

$540.00/Case for 12x 2021 Ty Caton Estate Upper Bench Merlot, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Valley at Ty Caton Vineyards

About The Winery

• Winery: Ty Caton Vineyards
• Owners: Ty Caton
• Founded: 1997
• Location: Sonoma, CA

At Ty Caton Vineyards, our commitment to excellence begins in the Caton Vineyard, where winemaker Ty Caton sustainably farms the hillside fruit used in his Moon Mountain District wine. As one of the few exclusively estate producers in Sonoma Valley, Ty works with grapes from soil to glass by enabling him to make extraordinary wines that showcase the vineyard. Ty Caton wines have received critical acclaim in world-renowned wine publications and competitions, including many Best of Class honors. As a grape grower and winemaker, Ty strives to produce the “wow factor” by making wines that are bold, beautifully structured, and are a true representation of the vineyards they come from.

Available States

AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Estimated Delivery

Monday, Sep 8 - Tuesday, Sep 9

2021 Ty Caton Estate Upper Bench Merlot
3 bottles for $69.99 $23.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $219.99 $18.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping

I do NOT need more wine. But I have such amazing past experiences with Ty Caton’s wines that I cannot let this pass me by. I think I’ll order 3 but I’m quite tempted to make it a case. I think this wine will be great for at least five years.