The Caton Cabernet Collection

If you’re familiar with Ty Caton Vineyards, you know that all our wines are crafted exclusively from estate-grown grapes in the Caton Vineyard, located in the Mayacamas Mountain range within the Moon Mountain District of Sonoma Valley. This 40-acre vineyard is thoughtfully spread across our expansive 108-acre ranch and cultivates a variety of grapes, including Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Among these are our seven crown jewels, the limited-production Cabernet Sauvignons that make up the Caton Cabernet Collection.

The Caton Cabernet Collection is a highly limited series of Cabernet Sauvignons, each produced from a specific block within the Caton Vineyard. These blocks feature unique sun exposure, soil, clones, and elevation, allowing each wine to express remarkably distinct aromas and flavors. Essentially, they’re vineyard designates within a vineyard designate.

Knoll

A half-acre “rock” vineyard, the Knoll’s rows are planted east to west. Almost all the vines and stakes were jack-hammered into the earth during the development of this block. The vines on the Knoll are small with low yields, producing some incredibly unique Cabernets. The Estate Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon moves from plum and cherry cola on the front of the palate to star anise on the finish, with notes of pepper sprinkled throughout. With only about 60 cases produced annually, the Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most limited-production Cabernet Sauvignons in our collection.

Terraces

The only terraced vineyard, the Terraces, is a rocky site with direct west-facing sun exposure. The rows of this rugged vineyard block have hand-dug walking trails, allowing it to be farmed without a tractor. Every vintage of Estate Terraces Cabernet Sauvignon delights us with something new and unexpected, always proving to be the definition of a beautifully balanced wine. Cherry pie and black currant flavors are complemented by medium tannins on the mid-palate. Though very drinkable now, it will continue to open up over time.

 

Little Hill

Little Hill is a small slice of easterly-facing land on the side of our vineyard road. Its non-fertile, bright white, powdery soil does not retain moisture. This rare, dry environment typically produces the most distinctive wines compared to those from the other Cabernet blocks. The Estate Little Hill Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh, elegant wine with spice on the nose and strawberry jam on the palate. Cedar and cassis are perfect descriptors for this wine, making it ideal for holiday meals.

Big Hill

Big Hill is a rigid vineyard with very steep slopes, making it one of the most difficult sites to farm on the Caton Estate. Both its soil and its east-to-west row alignment create a wine with medium acidity and a polished tannin structure. This vintage shows a complex aroma profile of red and dark fruit with vibrant flavors of blackberry and mint. The Estate Big Hill Cabernet Sauvignon offers an elegant yet distinctive palate with supple fruit and exceptional quality.

Upper Bench

Upper Bench is the highest point of the vineyard, with the deepest, richest, red volcanic soil. It features eight small watering stations, allowing us to control the watering volume on a micro level. Our Estate Upper Bench Cabernet Sauvignon boasts ripe fruit flavors, smoked bacon, graphite, and a hint of lavender. A beautiful balance of tannins and acidity adds depth to this full-bodied wine.

 

Barracks

With finesse, this north-to-south facing vineyard consistently produces the biggest, boldest wines with classic Cabernet aromas and flavors. The Estate Barracks Cabernet Sauvignon shows notes of black currant, plum, black cherry, cedar, and baking spices, followed by a long, lingering finish. This makes it one of our favorites to cellar for a few years.

Secure Our Caton Cabernet Collection

Each in its own way, the Cabernet Collection wines represent the very best of our Cabernet Sauvignon sites within the Caton Vineyard. They’re all distinct, rare, and truly one-of-a-kind. We’re thrilled to share this collection of incredibly special wines with you and offer a variety of ways to experience them. The collection is available for purchase at our tasting room and through our online shop. We invite you to join us in person for a memorable Caton Cabernet Collection Tasting Experience.

Become a member of the Caton Cabernet Collection Wine Club to guarantee your exclusive access to these limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon vintage after vintage. With a club membership, you’re also entitled to generous discounts on all wine purchases, complimentary tastings, and other attractive benefits. Learn more and sign up here, or reach out to us for further information.

We can’t wait to share the Caton Cabernet Collection with you!