Bottling updates, bud break in the vineyard, spring wine releases, events & more! Explore what’s happening in Moon Mountain District this spring.
A note from the Winemaker
I wanted to give you a quick update on what’s happening in the vineyard as spring kicks in, and let you know some exciting news!
The vines are waking up from their winter dormancy and stretching out in the sunshine. Our vineyard team is busy making sure they’re getting all the TLC they need to grow strong and healthy. Pruning, trellising, you name it – they’re on it.
And here’s the big news: We’re gearing up to bottle our latest creations in April! The 2022 vintage wines are tasting amazing and I can’t wait for you to enjoy them. I’m most excited about two new wines we’ll be releasing in the fall: Mountain Magic Cabernet Sauvignon and Moon Dust Cabernet Sauvignon.
As a special perk of being part of our wine club, you’ll be the first to get your hands on these new releases! We can’t wait to share them with you in the coming months.
In other news, we are hosting a range of exciting new events this year from our new pop up tasting series, member appreciation events and more! Your presence at these events would mean the world to us, and we’re looking forward to making new memories with you this season.
Thanks for being part of our wine family. Here’s to a fantastic spring filled with great wine and good times!
Ty Caton
Winemaker & Proprietor
Featured Spring Wine Releases
Explore our new spring wine releases! Wines will be featured in upcoming May & June wine club allotments. Join now for access.
Tasting notes written by our DTC Sales & Hospitality Lead, Paul Gillmore.
Paul has a life long passion for California wine and all that wine country has to offer. Since 2005, he has been deeply involved in hospitality throughout Sonoma and Napa Valley. You can book a tasting with Paul for one of our exclusive private tasting experiences!
Want to taste with Paul? Explore private tasting experiences.
2021 Estate Tytanium Red Blend
May & June Wine Club Release
Every year Ty brings together the very best fruit from each of the vineyards on his Moon Mountain Estate in order to craft what will ultimately be our flagship Estate Blend. The 2021 vintage found us near the end of the worst of our drought years which lead to smaller yields but opulent fruit. Our rich and vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon is the star of this blend (44%), and it packs a punch – also earning a solid 94 score from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
2021 Estate Upper Bench Merlot
May Wine Club Release
The Upper Bench is a place of challenges and opportunities: if you can tame these wild, rocky slopes you can achieve bold, decadent wines! Our 2021 Upper Bench Merlot succeeds, packing smoky dark cherry, tobacco and earthy tones together in a bold iteration of what mountain fruit can achieve.
2021 Estate Winemaker’s Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon
May Wine Club Release
Our Winemaker’s Cuvee is an essential part of our Cabernet line-up, blending in Syrah and Petite Sirah to add a distinctive edge and depth to the already luxurious fruit profile. The new 2021 vintage makes the best use of drought stressed vines to showcase a complex yet accessible side of Moon Mountain Cabernet. (92 points, Wine Enthusiast).
2021 Estate Arroyo Cabernet Sauvignon
May Wine Club Release
The Arroyo Vineyard stretches the farthest south of any of our Moon Mountain Estate Vineyards gaining it some access to the gentle evening winds from San Pablo Bay. Coupled with sandy, well-drained soil overlaying a deep layer of nutrient-rich clay, it provides the ideal conditions for crafting an elegant, velvety Cabernet. This wine promises graceful aging potential, yet can also delight immediately with just an hour of decanting. A staff favorite from the Caton Cabernet Collection.
Featured wines vary based on club tier.*
Spring Recipe
Venison Burgers with Red Wine Onions & Roasted Garlic Aioli
If your taste buds dance at the mere mention of garlic, the richness of red wine, and the hearty satisfaction of red meat, then you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that embodies the essence of comfort food- elevated! The perfect burger recipe for springtime gatherings or a night at home, this recipe is great for all occasions.
Pairing our flagship Tytanium Red Blend with the robust flavors of venison, and a velvety roasted garlic aioli, this dish promises a symphony of flavors that leave you craving more. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the Burger & Onions:
- 2 onions
- 3/4 cup red wine (e.g., 2021 Estate Tytanium Red)
- Olive Oil
- 1 lb. ground venison
- Diced bacon (optional)
- 1 shallot
- Salt
- Dried thyme
- Hamburger buns
- Sliced cheese
For the Aioli:
- 1 head of garlic
- Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- Dash of cayenne pepper
- Dash of Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper
- 2 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Onions: Heat a tablespoon of Olive Oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions for 7-10 minutes, then lower heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until soft and browned. Add red wine and stir until absorbed.
- Roasted Garlic Aioli: Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare garlic by removing outer layers and slicing the top off. Place garlic on foil, drizzle with Olive Oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap in foil and bake for 35 minutes. Once cooled, squeeze out cloves and mix with other aioli ingredients.
- Venison Burgers: In a bowl, mix venison, chopped shallots, salt, and thyme. Optionally, mix in diced bacon or massage patties with Olive Oil. Shape into patties with a divot in the center. Cook in a skillet with oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side.
- Assembly: Melt cheese on bun tops, then spread aioli on bottom bun, add burger, onions, and top bun. Serve with a glass of our new release Tytanium Red Blend.
Sustainable Sipping: Eco-Friendly Practices in Winemaking
As Earth Day approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our commitment to sustainability in every aspect of life, including the production of wine. At Ty Caton Vineyards, we believe that excellence starts in our Moon Mountain District vineyards and continues through the winemaking process. Discover the eco-friendly practices that shape our wines and contribute to our mission for a more sustainable future.
Distinctiveness Starts in the Vineyard:
For us, the foundation of quality winemaking lies in our vineyards. We embrace sustainable winegrowing practices that honor the climate, soil, and unique terroir of our land. By prioritizing biodiversity, soil health, and natural farming methods, we allow the land to express its distinctiveness, resulting in wines that truly reflect the essence of our vineyards.
Optimizing Harvest Dates for Quality:
Understanding the optimal harvest window is crucial for producing high-quality wines. By closely monitoring vine development and considering factors such as bud break and bloom, we determine the optimal pick dates to ensure optimal flavor development and balance in the grapes. We employ techniques such as delaying pruning and cane pruning to manipulate vine growth and achieve desirable ripening conditions.
Embracing Sustainable Vineyard Practices:
Sustainability is a guiding principle that shapes every aspect of our vineyard management. We extend the growing season to reduce vine vigor, delay irrigation to promote deeper root growth, and minimize inputs to the land to maintain a healthy ecosystem. By working in harmony with nature, we mitigate our impact on the environment and promote long-term vineyard health.
Transparency and Accountability:
Sustainability serves as our scorecard, providing transparency and accountability to our customers. Through certification programs and adherence to sustainable farming standards, we demonstrate our commitment to ethical and environmentally conscious practices. Ultimately, sustainability not only differentiates us in the marketplace but also ensures that our wines are crafted with integrity and authenticity.
Our mission is clear: to produce the highest quality wines in a manner that respects the environment and respects the land. Through sustainable winemaking practices, we strive to preserve the unique character of our vineyards while offering our customers wines that are a true reflection of our terroir. This Earth Day, let’s raise a glass to sustainability, stewardship, and the connection between wine and the land of Moon Mountain District. Cheers to a greener future!
Want to learn more about the Caton Vineyard? We have a few slots left for our Earth Day Celebration Tasting on April 21st! Book here.
Sat, May 11 | 12 pm to 4 pm
Spring Fling Fiesta!
Spring Release & Wine Club Pick Up Party
Join us as we reveal our latest spring wine releases, including our flagship Tytanium, awarded an impressive 94 Points, alongside our new delightful Rosé and more spring releases! Meet our winemaker, mingle with Team Ty and fellow members, and enjoy spring-inspired bites. Dive into a special vertical tasting experience and indulge in exclusive wine specials.
Location: Tasting Room- 8910 Sonoma Hwy 12., Kenwood, CA 95452
Cost: $25 per guest | Complimentary for Wine Club
RSVP>
Sun, May 19| 12 pm to 1:30 pm
May Pop Up Tasting – Library Flight
Enjoy a special library flight led by winemaker, Ty Caton! Featuring a limited selection of library wines from 2008-2011 vintage:
2008 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – 4 Bottles Available
2009 Ballfield Syrah – 4 Bottles Available
2010 Arroyo Cabernet Sauvignon – 9 Bottles Available
2011 Upper Bench Cabernet Sauvignon – 7 Bottles Available
2011 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – 9 Bottles Available
2011 Petite Sirah – 6 Bottles Available
Location: Tasting Room- 8910 Sonoma Hwy 12., Kenwood, CA 95452
Cost: $40 per guest | Half off for wine club members
Book Tasting>
Sat, Jun 1
Reach for the Moon
Join the vintners and growers of the Moon Mountain District in Sonoma for our second annual Master Class and Grand Tasting, Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the historic Monte Rosso Vineyard. Our inaugural event in 2023 sold out so grab your tickets now!
Cost: $250 – $400
RSVP>
Sat, Jun 15
Wine Club Member Appreciation Party
A special celebration just for our wine club community! You are invited to a wine club summer barbeque. More details are to follow.
Cost: Complimentary to wine club members and up to 3 guests.
$40 per additional guest
RSVP>
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