Bevan Cellars 'Ontogeny' Red Oakville Napa Valley 2018

The 2018 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny cascades across your palate with seamless ease. Explosive notes of crme de cassis, lavender and huckleberries give the wine a luxurious fruit component. The mouthfeel is all about controlled power, the tannins come in waves, but they hit with incredible grace.

Critical Acclaim

99 Jeb Dunnuck

While this cuve is one of the least expensive in the lineup, its often one of my favorites. The 2018 Ontogeny is no exception and should be snatched up by readers. A classic 2018 nose of ripe, pure blue fruits, cassis, violets, and smoked earth gives way to a full-bodied, dense, concentrated Cabernet with beautiful tannins and length.

95 Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Ontogeny Proprietary Red Wine comes barreling out of the glass with intensely fruity notes of crme de cassis, black cherry preserves and stewed plums plus a savory undercurrent of grilled meats, sauted herbs and Indian spices. The palate is full-bodied, rich and velvety, delivering impactful black fruit preserves with loads of earthy nuances, finishing long with a spicy kick.

93 Vinous

The 2018 Ontogeny is fabulous. Once again, Russell Bevan opted to serve his entry-level wine in the middle of the tasting. If anything, that just shows how compelling the Ontogeny bottling is. Crushed raspberry, mint, blood orange and floral notes confer freshness and energy. Don't miss it.