If there ever was a wine that deserved a steak or burger, you just found it.
Syrah's meaty, smokey flavors complement burgers, sausages, and lamb. The wine's peppery boldness also pairs well with lamb's delicate, earthy flavors.
VINEYARD
The two unique blocks of Syrah planted side by side on the Caton Vineayrd offer distinct characteristics and harmonious balance when together. Block 1 is a 2.6 acre planting with North-South row direction. This block consistently offers bold fruit and complex flavor profile. Block 2 is a 3.9 acre site with East-West row direction. The block is warm with limited afternoon sun, so it produces a wine with the best of both worlds: fruit forwardness of a warm site and spice qualities of a cool site.
VINTAGE
The 2020 harvest started with excellent growing conditions in Sonoma Valley. Temperature rose consistently through Labor Day while September brought high temperature spikes accelerating the last weeks of harvest. It took a unpredictable turn mid-August with wildfires. Luckily, the early harvest allowed them time to pick the Caton Vineyard with smaller berries and more concentrated fruit.
Winemaker: Ty Caton
Appellation: Moon Mountain District, Sonoma Valley
Vineyard: Estate Grown, Caton Vineyard
Varietals: 100% Syrah
Cooperage: 15 Months, 50% New French Oak
Farming Practices: Certified Sustainable
Alcohol: 15.2%
All Wines
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of cherries, black olives, currants and a touch of black pepper. The full-bodied palate is chock full of crunchy black fruits, framed by ripe chewy tannins.
92 Points
Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb to delight your senses. The flavors are just as complex with hints of Madagascar vanilla followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a touch of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.
90 Points
Inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange. Graceful and soft on the front palate, the flavors of mixed red berries and the lively tannins add luscious texture. Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and a superb freshness.
95 Points
Glazed lemons, pear drops, ripe gooseberries, acacia and wet stones on the nose. The palate is juicy and vibrant on the palate with attractive notes of tarragon and citrus peel.
New Release
This delicious, versatile wine begins with aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices. On the palate, the wine begins with a soft, dense, lush, tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, subtle acidity and a long flavorful, vanilla finish.