The Mascot 2016

A silky and expressive Napa Valley red wine

The estate

The Mascot is a project initiated by Will Harlan, son of Bill Harlan, the founder of Harlan Estate, an iconic Napa Valley winery whose wines are recognized as being some of California's finest.

An informal project initially started by family members and a few friends, The Mascot aims to reveal, through young vines planted on the hillside, the identity and pedigree of the exceptional terroirs of three estates belonging to the Harlan family: Harlan Estate, BOND and Promontory.

Developed with the teams of the three estates, The Mascot is a wine that will provide great pleasure, a wine for sharing that reveals both the aromatic typicity of Napa Valley Cabernets and the exceptional quality of the greatest wines from these three estates.

The vineyard

The Mascot is made from vines that are 5 to 12 years of age on average, resulting from replanting programmes carried out by each of the three estates. The aim of these programmes is to encourage the root system and ageing of young vines and to ensure continuity between generations of vines. Each plot is managed individually by the dedicated teams of each of the three estates.

The vintage

Following several dry years, 2016 began with a winter and spring marked by significant rainfall. Although the months of June and July were punctuated by episodes of high temperatures, typical of the Napa Valley, the regular presence of fog in this wine-growing area enabled the climate to remain somewhat cool during August. Then an Indian summer favoured the ripening of the grapes up until the harvest.

Vinification and ageing

In a constant search for full ripeness during the harvest, the grapes can be picked in several passages in the same plot. The grapes are then vinified in the style of the estate of origin. While the grapes from Harlan Estate and BOND are vinified in new French oak barrels, those from Promontory are vinified in large barrels from the famous Austrian cooperage Stockinger.

The wine is aged for a minimum of three years at each property before the final blend is made from a rigorous selection of the best batches. After blending, The Mascot benefits from an additional 18 months of bottle ageing before release.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (100%).

The Mascot 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

The lively and aromatic nose harmoniously blends aromas of bright fruit, sweet flowers and fresh wild herbs.

Palate

The palate is seduced with its subtle synergy between power and a texture of rare softness. With a rich aromatic palette, the palate stretches to a persistent and gourmet finish.