Winemaker Notes
In 2017, Bevan Cellars used more Tench and Sugarloaf than ever before to make sure that Ontogeny had the richness and depth that it has become known for. Sugarloaf Mountain Cabernet Franc was perfect for this, lending a beautiful blueberry and tobacco base. From there, we used Tench Cabernet Sauvignon for power, a kiss of Wildfoote for exuberance and a barrel of Sentinel Ridge for a little mountain tannin.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Cassis, black olives, tobacco, chocolate, toasted spice, and graphite notes all emerge from the 2017 Ontogeny, a more rounded, plush, sexy wine that nevertheless packs ample muscle, depth, and richness. It's a beautifully balanced, silky, awesome wine as well as a killer value.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Ontogeny Red Wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, sourced from Sugarloaf and Tench vineyards with small portions from Wildfoote and Sentinel Ridge vineyards. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has a very pretty nose of potpourri, violets, cinnamon stick and redcurrant jelly over a core of cassis and black raspberries. The full-bodied palate has a soft texture and refreshing line supporting the lively red and black fruits, finishing long and fragrant. Rating : 93+
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.