2018 Ontogeny Proprietary Red
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Tasting notes
While this cuvée is one of the least expensive in the lineup, it’s 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. It’s going to evolve for 20 years or more.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
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.
Ontogeny is a barrel-selection blend of Bevan's vineyard sources: Tench, Sugarloaf, Harbison, Wildfoote, Saunders and Sage Ridge. The varieties include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Ontogeny Proprietary Red Wine comes barreling out of the glass with intensely fruity notes of crème de cassis, black cherry preserves and stewed plums plus a savory undercurrent of grilled meats, sautéed 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. 3,952 cases were made.
Ontogeny is positively stellar in 2018. Served in the middle of the range, surrounded by a number of heavyweights, the Ontogeny shows just how much it has to offer. Swaths of inky dark fruit, chocolate, leather, licorice and spice are all pushed forward in a plush deep wine that will drink well right out of the gate.