“A blend put together by Bevan from the single vineyards, the Ontogeny cuvée is year-in, year-out one of the greatest values in Cabernet Sauvignon.” – Jeb Dunnuck

Now I’m pretty versed in vocabulary, but “ontogeny” was new to me. It means “the development of an organism throughout its entire lifetime.”

In a sentence: “While Agent Blanc’s mental ontogeny stalled out at age 16, his physical capabilities still have room for expansion,” for example.

In some other contexts, though, it presents a more compelling narrative. Like the pure display of polish and power and utter sophistication found inside this 98 pointer from 2019. We’ve got a real deal, prototypical Bevan blockbuster here, Ops. As far as I can tell, it seems to be SOARING to new heights in its ontological development. In other words, it’s drinking PRIME.

And how right you are, Jeb, in calling it one of the greatest values in Cabernet Sauvignon. We think that has a lot to do with the core of the fruit here coming from the Tench Vineyard in Oakville, the next door neighbor to you know who.

Wine Advocate reminds us that “Bevan makes full-throttle, ultra-ripe Napa Valley Cabernets and blends that reflect their maker’s personality. Big, expansive and never shy, these are wines that represent a different side of Napa than more classical, restrained Cabernets, but they have earned their place as part of the Valley’s culture for their exuberance and bold, hedonistic flavors” and calls this wine “the bargain in the Bevan lineup.” Mind you, that bargain and value pricing is based on the assumption that people are paying somewhere around $130 for it. And in the world of high-end, high-scoring, thoroughbred Napa Cabs, that’s not an outrageous sum. For Bevan, who racks up 100-pointer single vineyards that go for $200-300+, the price here today is a rarity.

If they could see it today, here at this price?

Plus, if scores are your thing, there are more in tow: double the 96 plus a 95 with the signature Bevan style here - “not a hard edge to be found…” In other words, soft as a baby’s bottom.

And consumption is the goal here. 2019 was a smashing good vintage, and with some age, this wine is entering a perfect window. Super soft and plush and expansive on the palate with saturating flavors of fresh-out-the-oven blueberry pie, blackberry reduction, warm vanilla creme latte dusted with chocolate. It’s not just a big fruit riot, either. Violets, barrel spice, and toasty sweet tannins join in too. Man, this stuff is pumping like the 70s-era Venice Beach Gold’s Gym. Or Russel Bevan circa 2026 (have you seen the dude? He’s getting JACKED).

And we’re blessing it with the lowest price in the galaxy. And while the ontogeny of this wine has plenty of years to go (see what I did there?), this sale is EXTREMELY limited!!

98 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “A blend put together by Bevan from the single vineyards, the Ontogeny cuvée is year-in, year-out one of the greatest values in Cabernet Sauvignon. His 2019 Ontogeny is no exception, revealing a dense purple hue as well as rock star notes of crème de cassis, violets, tobacco leaf, and chocolate. It’s a big, classic Bevan wine and has remarkable purity, silky, polished tannins, and not a hard edge to be found. Don’t miss it!”

96 Points – The Wine Independent “The 2019 Ontogeny, made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, is deep garnet-purple in color. It tumbles from the glass with ready-to-go notes of blueberry pie, creme de cassis, and juicy black plums followed by hints of camphor, Chinese five spice, and licorice. The full-bodied palate is soft and juicy, with layers of exotic spices and black fruit preserves, finishing long with a minty lift. Drink 2026-2048.”

96 Points – The Wine Palate “The 2019 Ontogeny is another tremendous wine in this range. In fact, the 2019 is one of the very best Ontogenys I can remember tasting. Rich, sumptuous and unapologetically brash, the 2019 is a total rock-star. A touch of Malbec adds exuberance to the fruit, as if these wines needed any more richness. For readers who want to know what the fuss is about Bevan, Ontogeny is the place to start! Drink 2024-2034.”

95 Points – Wine Advocate “The bargain in the Bevan lineup is the 2019 Ontogeny Red Wine, which is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend that includes small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Featuring lovely notes of ripe cherries, celery seed, cinnamon and cedar, it’s complex and full-bodied, with an attractive silky-velvety texture and a long, red-fruited finish. Approachable now, it should still be drinking well for close to two decades. Drink 2023-2040.”