Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec
Vintage production: 2,036 cases
The key to this magical and dynamic blend is the vineyard sources: in addition to Sugarloaf Mountain, Sage Ridge, and Wildfoote, the core of the fruit comes from blocks 5 and 7 in the Tench Vineyard which literally run alongside the fenceline of neighbouring Screaming Eagle – that’s some serious terroir. Russell makes his selection in the cellar, picking single-vineyard barrels that are crying out to be blended together for an earlier drinking, hedonistic, and utterly delicious wine.
The Ontogeny is a true cellar-barrel selection, and is always the last of the cuvées to be blended making each new release highly-anticipated!
Four Corners Wine:
“The Ontogeny 2021 leads with beautiful aromatics, so lifted with tonnes of rich crunchy fruit, cassis, a floral streak, an almost gamey-ferrous frame with amazing depth. It’s an ‘oh yeah!’ palate, rich and flamboyant, lots of dark chocolate notes and a super-concentrated core of fruit, all wrapped in soft tannins and great acidity. Delicious on all fronts!” (Sep. 2023)
