Exploring the Cabernet Blocks of Caton Vineyard: Upper Bench
Unveiling the Terroir: A Deep Dive into Upper Bench Vineyard—Part of Our Series Exploring the Seven Distinct Blocks of the Caton Cabernet Collection
About the Caton Cabernet Collection
Spanning 40 acres, our estate vineyard is a fusion of distinct blocks—each shaped by its own combination of sun exposure, soil composition, elevation, and clone selection. This diversity is the foundation of the Caton Cabernet Collection: a series of limited-production, single-block Cabernet Sauvignons that capture the essence of place with precision and character.
Following our exploration of the bold and expressive Little Hill, we now turn to one of the most commanding sites on the estate: Upper Bench.
The Caton Vineyard
Tucked into the rugged western slopes of Sonoma’s Mayacamas range, Moon Mountain District is one of the region’s most exciting AVAs. Officially recognized in 2013, it’s home to legendary vineyards like Monte Rosso and Hanzell—and to just 1,500 acres of planted vines. What sets it apart? Rocky volcanic soils, high-elevation exposures, and winds that challenge the vines and reward us with exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. These extreme conditions yield small, thick-skinned berries bursting with structure and complexity.
At the heart of this AVA is Ty Caton Vineyards: 108 acres of wild beauty, with 40 acres under vine and the rest left untouched. Every vine here clings to steep, sun-drenched slopes where the topsoil is shallow—just 12 to 18 inches before hitting solid volcanic bedrock. Without irrigation, the vines wouldn’t survive. But with it, they thrive—producing intensely flavored fruit with bold tannins and remarkable depth.
Each vineyard block tells a different story of this dramatic landscape. Up next in our single-vineyard series: Upper Bench, a bold, high-elevation expression that captures the raw power and beauty of the Moon Mountain District.
Upper Bench: Sun-Drenched Power at Elevation
Perched at one of the highest points of Caton Vineyard, Upper Bench enjoys unobstructed sun exposure from morning through late afternoon. With well-draining volcanic soils and steady breezes, this block sees dramatic shifts—warm, dry days followed by cool mountain nights. These conditions are ideal for developing both ripeness and structure in Cabernet Sauvignon.
Upper Bench is home to two varietals known for producing intensely concentrated fruit with bold tannins and striking aromatics: 3 acres of Inglenook clone Merlot and 7.9 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. Precision micro-irrigation across eight stations allows each vine to fully express the site’s distinct terroir and our hands-on farming approach. Compared to some of our more delicate blocks, Upper Bench yields a more powerful, muscular style of Cabernet—one that leaves a lasting impression.
The wine from this block consistently showcases a rich core of dark fruit, reflecting the vineyard’s bold character and elevation. It’s a Cabernet that doesn’t hold back, offering equal power and complexity.
