The Mascot Napa Valley 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Mascot Napa Valley 2019 comes from seven distinct hillside vineyards, specifically the younger vines of Harlan Estate, Promontory and the five small vineyards within the BOND portfolio. These sites place the wine firmly within Napa Valley's rarefied Cabernet Sauvignon landscape, where mountain and hillside fruit often brings concentration, structure and aromatic precision.

Napa Valley's dramatic range of elevations, exposures and soils helps explain the wine's layered personality. The region stretches from the cooler influence of San Pablo Bay in the south toward warmer northern districts, while hillside vineyards typically have poorer, rockier soils that naturally restrict vine vigor. In The Mascot, young-vine Cabernet Sauvignon gives energy and immediacy, while the pedigree of its parent estates lends depth, polish and a quietly luxurious sense of place.

Winemaking

The Mascot Napa Valley 2019 is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from young-vine lots, with an average vine age listed at around seven years. The lots are first vinified and aged within their respective parent wineries before being evaluated for the final blend, preserving the individuality of each site while shaping a unified Napa Valley expression.

Selection takes place between 6 and 14 months after fermentation. The wine is then aged in barrel for nearly three years before bottling, followed by an additional 18 months before release. Harlan Estate and BOND use new and neutral French oak barrels, while Promontory employs larger Austrian oak casks. This long élevage builds silky tannins, aromatic integration and a composed texture, allowing the wine to feel supple without losing Cabernet's natural drive.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with a bright crimson edge, still youthful in the core yet beginning to show subtle evolution at the rim.
• Aroma: Black cherry, cassis, red plum, dried cranberry and currant open into sage, pink peppercorn, graphite, cedar, black tea and a delicate herbal lift.
• Palate: Medium-full to full-bodied, polished and finely structured, with velvety tannins, fresh acidity and a supple core of plum, blueberry, red cherry and dark currant. The finish is long, savory and mineral-edged, with lingering spice and dusted gravel nuance.

Did you know?

The Mascot began as a personal project by Will Harlan, first shared with family, friends and the winemaking team before its official release with the 2008 vintage. Its label depicts "Prince," a white English bull terrier whose image originally appeared on historical bank stock certificates, giving the wine its distinctive visual identity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Dry-aged ribeye with black pepper butter: The wine's Cabernet structure and dark fruit intensity match the richness of beef, while pepper accents its savory spice.
• Herb-crusted rack of lamb: Rosemary, thyme and garlic highlight the wine's sage, cedar and graphite notes, while lamb softens the tannic grip.
• Braised short ribs with red wine jus: Slow-cooked beef amplifies the wine's plush texture and draws out cassis, plum and tobacco-like complexity.
• Grilled portobello mushrooms with aged Parmesan: Earthy mushrooms echo the wine's mineral and savory tones, while Parmesan adds umami depth.

History of The Mascot

The Mascot began as an informal family project spearheaded by Will Harlan, blending the youthful fruit of the family’s esteemed vineyards. Initially unnamed and unlabeled, the wine was shared among family, friends, and the winemaking team. Its charm and enthusiastic reception led to its official launch as a standalone label, offering a glimpse into the character of the parent estates.

The name “The Mascot” was inspired by the family’s affection for canines, with the label featuring a historical engraving of Prince, a white English bull terrier once associated with a Pittsburgh bank and local sports teams. This story symbolizes loyalty, perseverance, and approachability—values that resonate with the spirit of the wine.

Region and Vineyards

The vineyards contributing to The Mascot are located in the rugged hillsides of Oakville, Rutherford, and neighboring areas of Napa Valley. These sites, identified by the Harlan family over the last 40 years, represent some of the most exceptional terroirs in the region.

The vines used for The Mascot are 5 to 12 years old, sourced from blocks undergoing replanting cycles at Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory. These younger vines provide vibrant and energetic fruit while reflecting the rich legacy of their mature counterparts. The farming methods prioritize dry farming and sustainable practices, ensuring the vineyard ecosystem thrives while promoting the purity and depth of the wines.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for The Mascot emphasizes the youthful vigor of its components while honoring the refined techniques of its parent properties. The wine is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (85–95%), with smaller quantities of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

Each component is vinified separately, and after a meticulous evaluation at the blending table, the finest lots are selected. The wine is aged for nearly three years in a combination of new and neutral French oak barrels and Austrian casks, followed by an additional 18 months in bottle before release. This extensive aging process ensures a balance between approachability and structure, making The Mascot enjoyable both young and after extended cellaring.

Did You Know?

The engraving on the label of The Mascot features Prince, a white English bull terrier who served as a mascot for both a bank and various Pittsburgh sports teams in the early 20th century. His story reflects the wine’s approachable yet distinguished character.

Wine Range of The Mascot

The Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon: The sole wine of this project, it serves as a window into the evolution of the Harlan family’s grand estates, offering a youthful expression of their potential.