Rob Brobst III

9.8

2013 Ontogeny Proprietary Red is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, coming from some of Russell Bevan’s favorite vineyard sources – Sugarloaf Mountain, Two Dogs, Tin Box and Tench. Quite flavorful, it is exhibiting slightly more new oak than some of the other cuvées, but is still sexy and opulent, with voluptuous texture, low acidity, and oodles of juicy, succulent black and red fruits, licorice, underbrush and a touch of vanillin. An already irresistible beauty, it can be drunk over the next 20 years. — 4 months ago

Joseph Barsky

9.6

2014 Vintage. Was a bit funky on opening but opens and lost that funk with air. Massive Syrah fruit and velvet mouthfeel. Great job Russell! — a year ago

Michelle Tracy

10

The problem with good wines is that the bottle empties much faster! — 4 years ago

Kevin Løk

9.1

For the money — wow! All #smiles — 5 months ago

with Caroline

Jeffrey Ritterson

9.4

Oh yea baby. Smokey, fruited, well aged. Big but not obnoxious. Complex. — 7 months ago

Eric L.

10

Russell hit a home run with this 2011. Wow! — 3 years ago

Karilyn Lesassier-Van Oosten

9.3

Bright and crisp. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.7

Bevan Cellars Ontogeny
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A powerhouse Bordeaux-style blend from Russell Bevan, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with fruit sourced from elite Napa sites such as Tench Vineyard (Oakville, next to Screaming Eagle), Sugarloaf Mountain, and Sage Ridge. This is the estate’s flagship red that over-delivers compared to other triple-digit Napa wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Opulent nose of cassis, blackberries, and graphite, with layers of tobacco leaf, cedar, and baking spices.
On the palate: dense and multi-layered, offering ripe black cherry, plum, cocoa, and licorice, evolving into earthy and savory undertones.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with velvety tannins and extraordinary structure. Rich and ripe, yet beautifully balanced, finishing with a long, polished, lingering finish.

Winemaking Notes
Russell Bevan’s hallmark style—precision, power, and elegance—delivers a wine meant to impress now but with serious aging potential (10+ years).

Food Pairing
Best with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, or truffle risotto. A showpiece bottle for fine dining.

Verdict
A monster Napa blend that’s lush, powerful, and complex—yet still refined. Truly a collectible wine, and if you can get it before prices climb, it’s a steal compared to Bevan’s other labels. — 6 months ago

Billy L.

9.7

PNP & Singing right now! Russell Bevan makes great wines! Cheers 🍇🍷👏🏻👍🏻 — 2 years ago

Nick Brandon

9.0

Strong on the nose. Rich, leathery tannins.
Black fruit, lots of good structure and a long chocolately finish. A gasoline note exists which is very inviting.
Juicy baby!
Characterizes the grape really well — 4 years ago