Dark ruby-purple color; raspberry, cherry, cola, spice on the nose; juicy, vivid black and red fruit on the palate with chocolate, vanilla, some oak, smoke; tang on extended finish.
Kitchen sink blend: 39% zinfandel, 27% syrah, 12% carignane, 8% petite sirah, 6% merlot, 4% petit verdot, 4% barbera; zin and syrah give it some power with medium body, restrained tannin, restrained acidity. Compares with The Prisoner, and enTycment is better priced.
Ty Caton Vineyards is on site of winery and vineyards in Sonoma Valley founded in the 1920s; it lasted through prohibition and into the 1940s. Owner Carl Bergfried worked his 16 acres of vines with a horse and plow. The original winery, crush-pad, and house remain as a testament to the rich heritage.
The Caton family purchased the property in 1981 with aim to restore the operation; Ty Caton began developing the vineyard in 1997. It is adjacent to some of the most famed vineyards in California, and Ty carved out and created 40 acres of hillside vineyards spread out over 107 acres of natural habitat. Ty Caton made their first vintage in 2000 and it quickly met with applause. This effort continues that tradition—well made, not spectacular, pleasing to a lot of palates. $27
Ty Caton website
Second photo: Ty Caton tasting room
