Spring 2025 Wine Tymes Newsletter
Notes from the winemaker, spring wine releases, pairing suggestions & more! Explore what’s happening in Moon Mountain District this spring.
Dear Friends,
Spring has officially arrived, and with it, bud break is beginning across the vineyard. It’s always exciting to see those first signs of green after a long winter. This is when the growing season really kicks off and sets the tone for the vintage ahead. So far, things are looking great out there – check out live updates on bud break on our Instagram.
We also got some great news recently from Wine Enthusiast, which gave strong marks to a few of our latest releases. Honestly, our customers’ feedback means the most to us, but it’s always nice when the critics take notice too.
Here’s what they had to say:
2021 Ty’s Red – 92 Points
“This blend of Merlot and Syrah with a few other varieties is loaded with aromas of blue fruits, pine forest and pepper on the nose. The palate brings plenty of plum and blackberry flavors in a framework of rich tannin and barrel spice. Best from 2028–2040.”
2021 Upper Bench Merlot – 91 Points
“Aromas of juicy berry, milk chocolate and caramel lift the nose of this Merlot, while the palate brings on flavors of roasted cherry, spiced fig and toasty barrel spices before an acid-driven finish with echoes of spice and earthy minerality.”
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon – 92 Points
“Fresh mint and crushed raspberry aromas dominate the nose of this Cabernet from altitude. The palate brings loads of plum and black cherry flavors that mingle with spicy herbs, purple flowers and cocoa along the finish.”
2021 Ballfield Syrah – 91 Points
“The nose of this rich and potent mountain Syrah displays aromas of cherry liqueur, spiced plum, fig jam and crème de cassis. The palate is bombastic with very intense flavors of concentrated berry, mint and violets in a framework of rich oak and tannin.”
2021 Petite Sirah – 89 Points
“This rich and rustic Petite Sirah has a singular roasted meat character to the nose, layered with aromas of blackberry and rose petals. The palate is weighty and spicy, with a lifted blueberry jam flavor that persists across the finish.”
There’s a lot going on this spring, and I hope you’ll be part of it:
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Reach for the Moon – This experience is all about the acclaimed Moon Mountain District! Taste wines from over 20 vintners and learn about this diverse region of rugged terrain, volcanic soils and various elevations.
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April in Carneros – Discover 14 amazing wineries in the Carnros region. Enjoy a unique enhanced experience at each of the wineries including specials on wine, locally made food, live music, and more.
And for our wine club members, mark your calendars for June—we’re hosting our Wine Club Appreciation Party, and we’d love to have you there. It’s our way of saying thanks for being such an important part of what we do.
We’ve also got a fantastic lineup of spring releases headed your way. I’m especially excited to share our 93-point 2022 Tytanium Red Wine. This one’s big, bold, and packed with character—and I can’t wait for you to taste it.
Thanks, as always, for being part of the Ty Caton family. We truly couldn’t do this without your support.
Cheers,
Ty
Ty Caton
Winemaker & Proprietor
What is Bud Break?
Bud break is exactly what it sounds like: the moment when tiny green buds begin to emerge from the dormant vines. These buds hold the promise of the vintage to come—every leaf, every flower, every cluster of grapes.
It’s the first big sign of life after winter, and here at Ty Caton Vineyards, we’re watching it unfold row by row across the Caton Vineyard.
With bud break underway, our team has been busy prepping the vineyard for a healthy, successful growing season. That means:
- Pruning: Done in winter, pruning sets the structure for this year’s growth. Now we watch the vines respond.
- Irrigation checks: We make sure our drip systems are ready to go by flushing the drip lines and checking for logged emitters.
- Cover Crop Management: Over the next two weeks, we’ll be mowing our cover crops to naturally enrich the soil and promote healthy vineyard growth.
- Canopy prep: As shoots grow in the next few weeks, we’ll start training them upward for sunlight exposure and air flow—key for healthy fruit.
The Energy of Moon Mountain in Spring
There’s a special kind of energy in Moon Mountain this time of year. Everything feels alive and full of promise. After months of dormancy, the vines are starting to grow again—tiny shoots reaching upward and fresh green leaves starting to open.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll see more signs of progress: longer shoots, more leaves, and eventually, the first signs of grape clusters beginning to form. It’s a fast-moving, exciting time in the vineyard, and we’re right there with the vines every step of the way.
Follow the Journey
We’ll be posting updates from the vineyard all season long, so keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook for real-time videos, photos, and insights as this vintage takes shape.
Got questions about what you’re seeing? Send them our way! We love sharing about vines, soil, and everything in between.
