“Russell Bevan is one of the more outspoken producers in the Napa Valley, and so are his wines. These sumptuous, beautifully textured reds are full of personality. Made to be accessible right upon release, the Bevan wines are rich, intense, and hugely delicious.”
–Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Bevan Cellars was founded by Russell Bevan and Victoria De Crescenzo in 2005. Russell’s personality is considerable – he is a straight shooter, a doer, someone who thinks outside of the box and who has brought his own style of vineyard management and wine making to Napa Valley. In contemporary Napa Valley wine making, he is leading the charge with several 100-point-wines to his credit. He works with some of the best vineyards in the valley and producing wines that are opulent, energetic and rich – well-textured, both on the bouquet and palate.
Russell has a led a varied life: He earned his Masters in Philosophy, worked in Minneapolis selling dental equipment, and wrote a syndicated column which was published in the Wine Spectator. They found out that wine is truly where their heart’s desire was, so he and Victoria purchased a small vineyard in Bennett Valley, Sonoma, near Santa Rosa and started out making some damn good garage wine. 2005 was the inaugural release of Bevan Cellars, and when Robert Parker tasted Bevan Cellars barrel samples in 2007 and awarded them high scores (as did Wine Spectator), things quickly took off.
In Napa Valley, Russell is looking for vineyards that have what he calls the “wow factor”, and most of these are vineyards are located in eastern Oakville, arguably one of the valley’s sweetest spots for premium red wines. This vineyard neighborhood includes producers such as Dalla Valle, Oakville Ranch, the Backus Vineyard owned by Joseph Phelps and Screaming Eagle.
Russell learned early on about one significant requirement for all vineyards he works with: he must maintain full control of the farming practices. His wines are sturdy and concentrated yet despite these powerful attributes are remarkably approachable in their youth. One of Russell’s hallmark stylistic influences on wine is texture – how he deftly manages tannins while creating wines that feature a seamless quality, a harmonious integration.
