The nearly perfect 2012 Proprietary Red Ontogeny is Bevan’s least expensive and biggest production cuvée (700 cases). A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot and 10% Cabernet Franc, it comes from four of Russell Bevan’s favorite vineyard sources – Tench, Tin Box, Two Dogs and Sugarloaf Mountain. A big fruit bomb, it boasts a dense purple color as well as loads of crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, underbrush, graphite, lavender, roasted meats and blackberries. Amazing aromatics and super-intensity make for a powerful, full-bodied wine to drink over the next 10-15 years.

The 2012 Ontogeny Red Wine is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with lesser portions of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Deep garnet in color with a touch brick, it wafts from the glass with a fragrant perfume of Morello cherries, spice cake and preserved plums, plus underlying suggestions of cigar box, tree bark and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers maturing black and red fruit preserves layers with loads of spicy sparks and a chewy texture, finishing long with a compelling lift. 700 cases were made.