Bevan Cellars
Ontogeny Napa Valley Red Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
Don’t have a ton of appreciation for this producer because their alcohol ABV always shown so high, but they are better in their later vintages in that singular regard.
Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2025.
Don’t have a ton of appreciation for this producer because their alcohol ABV always shown so high, but they are better in their later vintages in that singular regard.
Pebble Beach Food & Wine 2025.
2022 vintage. Medium heavy body. Beautifully made and can go now or in a decade and a half. The winery’s veritable “kitchen sink.” Like a little bit of this varietal and vineyard in every bottle. 08.22.25.
2022 vintage. Medium heavy body. Beautifully made and can go now or in a decade and a half. The winery’s veritable “kitchen sink.” Like a little bit of this varietal and vineyard in every bottle. 08.22.25.
Aug 22nd, 2025
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.
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.
2022 vintage. Wowzers...massive impressions of both fruit and tannins. Best Ontogeny I've sampled. 25+ year wine to age if you've got that kinda time. Delicious and with decent acidity so it doesn't opt into the overly ripe sweepstakes thank goodness. 10.09.24.
2022 vintage. Wowzers...massive impressions of both fruit and tannins. Best Ontogeny I've sampled. 25+ year wine to age if you've got that kinda time. Delicious and with decent acidity so it doesn't opt into the overly ripe sweepstakes thank goodness. 10.09.24.
Oct 9th, 2024