Let’s get one thing straight—Bevan Cellars Ontogeny isn’t just a wine. It’s a brash, boundary-smashing statement from Russell Bevan, the enfant terrible of Napa Valley. This is that famous bottle every Napa lover has on hand to sip on whenever they want something rich and luxuriously textured that way overdelivers for its price point. Since the early 2000s, this self-taught winemaking renegade has torn through conventions like a bull in a crystal shop, crafting bold, unapologetic blends that make critics weak in the knees. Ontogeny is the crown jewel of his portfolio—a Bordeaux-style blend that’s as layered as a Wes Anderson film and twice as thrilling. The 2022 vintage is an electric mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, all hailing from Napa’s most coveted vineyards, like Sugarloaf and Tench—the latter of which borders none other than Screaming Eagle. Picture an all-star band of grapes playing a symphony of opulence and raw power. Oh, and by the way? Russell Bevan holds the record for the most 100-point wines from Robert Parker, making him Napa royalty with a rebel’s soul.
The 2022 Ontogeny is Napa decadence at its peak, with waves of blackberry compote, espresso-dusted chocolate, and an edge of crushed graphite that feels straight-up dangerous. The palate? A cascade of velvet—think dark cherries soaked in brandy, cocoa nibs, and a tease of exotic spices. It’s rich, sexy, and just restrained enough to remind you that chaos, when mastered, becomes art. Then there’s the finish, which doesn’t just linger; it loiters, throwing shade at every wine you’ve ever called “complex.” If Russell Bevan bottled sin, this would be it.
For collectors, the 2022 Ontogeny isn’t just a must-have; it’s an heirloom in the making. Stellar vintage? Check. Legendary winemaker? Double check. The price we’ve got it at? Well, it might just qualify as larceny
"The 2022 is very easy to like...it’s an absolute winner "- Antonio Galloni.
" I love it today " - Jeb Dunnuck
Tasting Notes
Deep, inky garnet in the glass, it opens with brooding aromatics of blackcurrant, boysenberry, and crushed violets, layered with undertones of mocha, cigar box, and a whisper of leather. The attack is lush and immediate, with flavors of ripe plum, black cherries, and freshly ground espresso. Mid-palate, there’s a seductive wave of dark chocolate, clove, and a faint hint of anise, all wrapped in supple tannins that glide effortlessly. The finish is monumental, offering a crescendo of cassis, crushed stone, and lingering vanilla oak that refuses to quit.
This wine isn’t just big; it’s larger than life. Don’t even think about pairing it with food—Ontogeny demands center stage, and it won’t share the spotlight.. That being said, its an absolute screamer with just about any red meat.