Bevan Cellars

Ontogeny Napa Valley Red Blend

9.433 ratings
9.47 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Red Blend
Game, Baking Spices, Duck, Goose, Potato, Chili & Hot Spicy, White Rice, Exotic Spices, Pasta, Herbs, Beans & Peas, Onion, Chicken, Pork, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Pungent Cheese, Soft Cheese, Mushrooms, Tomato-Based, Turkey, Veal, Hard Cheese
Top Notes For
Shawn R

This wine drinks well right now, super fine tannins with all element in check. Does not have the potential for aging.

This wine drinks well right now, super fine tannins with all element in check. Does not have the potential for aging.

May 24th, 2020
Ron R
9.3

Our first time tasting this. This is a great blend, but Venge Silencieux (for example) represents a much better value. Ontogeny presents layers, depth and texture, But we feel there are many examples of similar quality at half the price on the market.

Our first time tasting this. This is a great blend, but Venge Silencieux (for example) represents a much better value. Ontogeny presents layers, depth and texture, But we feel there are many examples of similar quality at half the price on the market.

Nov 18th, 2019
Matt Sterr

New World, big, red and blue. Polished. Juicy.

New World, big, red and blue. Polished. Juicy.

Sep 19th, 2019
Shay A
9.5

Victoria from Bevan Cellars came to town and put on a wonderful tasting of some current releases.

In my opinion, this is one of the best Napa cabs at the price point. Consistently fantastic with everything you could want from a Napa Cab. I found this wine to have more stuffing and more complexity than the ‘14. Similar to the ‘15. Didn’t come across too high octane. More red and black fruit compared to blue and black fruit, with a sweet mocha like note.

Victoria from Bevan Cellars came to town and put on a wonderful tasting of some current releases.

In my opinion, this is one of the best Napa cabs at the price point. Consistently fantastic with everything you could want from a Napa Cab. I found this wine to have more stuffing and more complexity than the ‘14. Similar to the ‘15. Didn’t come across too high octane. More red and black fruit compared to blue and black fruit, with a sweet mocha like note.

Oct 12th, 2018
Ken Z
9.3

Drank 6/13/19. Tasting event. Tasting pour.

Ripe, red and black fruit, with a touch of pipe tobacco. Similar plate, with a bit of soil and oak. Medium + finish. Well made, if not a bit ripe. The '15 seems a bit better if you can find it.

4/23/7/4/4 +50= 92 pts

Drank 6/13/19. Tasting event. Tasting pour.

Ripe, red and black fruit, with a touch of pipe tobacco. Similar plate, with a bit of soil and oak. Medium + finish. Well made, if not a bit ripe. The '15 seems a bit better if you can find it.

4/23/7/4/4 +50= 92 pts

1 person found it helpfulJun 14th, 2019
Shay A
9.5

Day 3 in Napa in the books! Running a day behind on notes...Napa time runs slow AND fast!

Dang. Insane wine for under $100! Highest scoring Ontogeny since 2012. Cherry cordial, blackberry pie, pie crust, and smoked rhubarb candy. This is very impressive and competes with Bevan’s single vineyard style wines.

Day 3 in Napa in the books! Running a day behind on notes...Napa time runs slow AND fast!

Dang. Insane wine for under $100! Highest scoring Ontogeny since 2012. Cherry cordial, blackberry pie, pie crust, and smoked rhubarb candy. This is very impressive and competes with Bevan’s single vineyard style wines.

1 person found it helpfulFeb 4th, 2019
Billy L.

2016 Ontogeny is Smokin’ value.!!! Russell Bevan Kicks Ass! Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Wine & Joseph Phelps Insignia have gotten completely overpriced @ $200-250etc. Ontogeny at $95 is the Deal! Cheers 🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻

2016 Ontogeny is Smokin’ value.!!! Russell Bevan Kicks Ass! Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Wine & Joseph Phelps Insignia have gotten completely overpriced @ $200-250etc. Ontogeny at $95 is the Deal! Cheers 🍇🍷👍🏻👏🏻

Jun 3rd, 2022
Howard Greenfield

So 2019 release came out today-great opportunity to visit 16. Two hour decant and it was amazing at local Chinese restaurant.
Great value- load up on new release!!!

So 2019 release came out today-great opportunity to visit 16. Two hour decant and it was amazing at local Chinese restaurant.
Great value- load up on new release!!!

Sep 14th, 2021
Gujumack

Received as a gift from JD. Amazing fruity aromas on the nose and initial entry, but let it open up and pair with some spicy poultry or fish. Complement the wine to balance the sweetness and enjoy!!

Received as a gift from JD. Amazing fruity aromas on the nose and initial entry, but let it open up and pair with some spicy poultry or fish. Complement the wine to balance the sweetness and enjoy!!

Apr 4th, 2021
Aaron Rankin

PnP. Light hardly penetrates the black violet color. Massive thickness. It coats the glass like a low viscosity oil. Nose is ethereal, multidimensional and arriving sequentially. Foggy herb garden on a cold/wet day, black pepper, black currant liqueur, iron. Strikes the front palette with creamy sweetness. Easily coats the mouth. Low tannin/acid. Bursting with developed fruit layers. A real pleasure to drink.

PnP. Light hardly penetrates the black violet color. Massive thickness. It coats the glass like a low viscosity oil. Nose is ethereal, multidimensional and arriving sequentially. Foggy herb garden on a cold/wet day, black pepper, black currant liqueur, iron. Strikes the front palette with creamy sweetness. Easily coats the mouth. Low tannin/acid. Bursting with developed fruit layers. A real pleasure to drink.

Dec 4th, 2020