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Monday, August 18, 2014

Side Trip: Bevan Cellars

 
~ Cellar Atrium at Chateau Boswell & Bevan Cellars ~

Larger than life.  Full of energy, passion, exuberance and a playful gentle nature, Russell "T-Rex" Bevan is anything like his unofficial nick name.   Crazily enough, I've known Russell and his partner Victoria DeCrescenzo for a little over 15 years and although we originally were introduced over Zinfandel, today Russell is devoted mainly to Cabernet blends. 
 
Bevan Cellars is located along the Silverado Trail and currently shares winemaking and cellar space with Chateau Boswell, for which Bevan is also the winemaker.   The last time we were in Napa, we stopped in for a visit and this past weekend, Bevan was the focus of our latest #SideTrip.


~ Tasting in the Bevan Cellar Caves ~

The weather was perfect this weekend - cool, no humidity.  We fired up the grill for what we like to call "Cab & Cow" and I figured what better time to check in on the Bevan "EE" wine.  A proprietary red from the Oakville district, the "EE" wine is named after a friend of Russell's and is typically equal parts Cabernet Sauvigonon and Cabernet Franc.  When I tasted the 2010 in the cellars with Victoria,  I was struck at the complexity of the nose.  It smelled like the inside of a Starbucks.  I was star struck........


~ Barrels resting in Bevan Cellars ~

So with NY Strips grilling we opened the 2010 Bevan Cellars "EE" Oakville.   We didn't decant the wine, but we opened it some 60 minutes in advance.  In retrospect, to develop that roasted coffee aroma, which was not present this time,  I think we should open these wines days in advance. 
 
The 2010 is a dark, purple color in the glass.  The aromas are classic Oakville Cabernet.  Cassis, cedar, tobacco and spice are prevalent on the nose.  On the palate, the wine is rich and exuberant, just like it's creator.  Lush, ripe fruit cascades over the palate with amazing texture and structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon.  The acidity in the wine is typical by Napa standards and keeps the fruit fresh on the finish where a slight touch of mocha and spice from the barriques is notable.  This is delicious and with the steaks, a near perfect match.  Russell's wines are amazing,  but given the micro production, they are very expensive.  I treat myself to a bottle here and there, but it's not something you can typially stock up on.  94 points, $150.


~ The 2010 Bevan Cellars "EE"  ~
 
To find out more about Bevan Cellars, you can visit them at www.BevanCellars.com



~ Winemaker, Russell Bevan ~
Salute!



1 comment:

  1. John: Nice write-up, and though I haven't seen Bevan's wines, I'll be looking for them! :-)

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