Produced by The Mascot, a Napa Valley project created by Will Harlan, the second generation of the Harlan family behind some of California’s most revered estates including Harlan Estate, BOND and Promontory. The wine is sourced from younger vines planted across these legendary hillside vineyards in Oakville, Rutherford and the western reaches of Napa Valley, where the fruit benefits from the same meticulous farming as the flagship wines. Rather than being a second wine, The Mascot is conceived as a distinct expression of these exceptional sites, allowing younger vines the time to mature while offering a more approachable interpretation of the Harlan family’s vineyards. The vineyards are farmed sustainably with meticulous attention to vine health, low yields and precise canopy management, while a diverse mix of volcanic, gravelly and alluvial soils contributes depth, freshness and remarkable complexity.
The 2018 vintage is made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by small proportions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Following fermentation in small lots, the wine is matured for approximately 26 months in French oak barrels before an extended period of bottle ageing prior to release, ensuring it arrives with impressive harmony while retaining excellent cellaring potential. Benefiting from one of Napa Valley’s greatest recent vintages, the 2018 displays beautifully layered aromas of cassis, blackberry and black cherry intertwined with graphite, cedar, violets, cocoa and sweet baking spices. The palate is concentrated yet remarkably polished, with refined tannins, vibrant acidity and exceptional balance. Now entering a superb drinking window after several years in bottle, it combines youthful energy with the first signs of tertiary complexity, making it immediately enjoyable while promising continued evolution over the next fifteen to twenty years. It pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, roast lamb, braised short ribs and mature hard cheeses.