2018 is going to be a pretty exceptional vintage for Napa Cabernet. Russell Bevan’s release opened up today. One of the “better deals” that I’ve been keeping my eye out for is the Bevan 2018 Ontogeny for $95. Price seems fair considering its declassified vineyard designate at half the cost of its designated big brothers. FWIW, Dunnuck gave it a 97-99 pts.
On a side note, its 100 degrees here today. The Bevan 2019 Sauvignon Blanc is always near the very top quality SB’s in California. Killer stuff from a single vineyard for $38.
Big fan of RB and what he does with Tench and the BDX blends. I picked up a few today, but I’m far more interested in what will be released later this year, including a Dr. Crane SVD.
The Saunders Cab Franc (V95-98) (JD96-99) and Dr. Crane (V95-98) (JD 98-99) are new bottlings for 2018 vintage. Galloni and Dunnuck barrel tasted both and gave rave reviews. I plan on grabbing a few from both releases.
The e-mail indicates that three of the wines got potentially perfect scores from Jeb Dunnuck in his barrel sample reviews. I am curious as to which three.
I did have the chance to drink some of the 2018’s with Russell and Victoria several weeks ago in Atlanta. Highlights for me were the Wildfoote and the Crane. Also had the EE, Tench, Sugarloaf and Ontogeny. 2018 should be a great vintage for Bevan based on my early taste. Looking forward to getting some in the cellar.
I’m very intrigued by the Bevan Dr. Crane!! I usually am a 6 pack buyer of Ontogeny, but I’ll hopefully be able to pick up a Dr. Crane when offered (fingers crossed, since I’m not sure on the case production on that one).
I ended up picking up 3 Bevan Dr. Crane, with all of the recent offers I’ve had to scale back in order to get some from all of my favorites (Greer, William and Mary, Bevan) in this late September release cycle…wish I could get more, but excited to try Russell’s take on Dr. Crane!
Bevan is my perennial favorite. Went deep. Can’t wait to see what Russell did with Dr. Crane and excited to discover what the Cab Franc off of Saunders is like.