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. — 2 months ago

Joseph Barsky

9.5

2014 Vintage. SGM blend. Of Paso Robles fruit. Great nose, inky dark, velvet mouthfeel, great finish. Wow! — 6 months ago

Geoff Buswick

9.2

Plum jam with a nice dry finish. — 10 months ago

Jeffrey Ritterson

9.4

Oh yea baby. Smokey, fruited, well aged. Big but not obnoxious. Complex. — 2 months ago

Ron from VA

9.2

Stellar - Shaps master craft — 5 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! — 6 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.2

Love the special character of these South African Chards — 8 months ago

Ron from VA

9.0

Just a wonderfully crafted & delicious VIRGINIA CS - at 7.5yrs old, the concentration and density were in stride. Richness without losing balance. well done, Michael.! Rich black cherry, dark chocolate, and thyme combine for a wonderful red meat companion — 4 months ago

Angelo Casagrande

8.9

Always suspect of ‘cute’ labels. But this is pretty tasty for an inexpensive Aussie Shiraz. Lots of fruit- strawberry- a bit of white pepper- light tannins- 14%. Would be a nice cook out wine. Hard to dislike. — 5 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Blend of Pinotage (84%) and Cinsault (16%). Interesting Garnet/Magenta/Ruby color. Aromas of sour berry/cherry fruit, wet stones and a funky (not unpleasant) musky note. Juicy red cherry, cranberry and pomegranate fruit on the palate with hints of mineral and earth. Very tangy on the medium finish. Fine tannins and soft texture. Quite fresh tasting and complex. No signs of oak aging. Two very complimentary blending partners. Interesting. — 7 months ago