2016 The Mascot

The Mascot is a Cabernet Sauvignon based proprietary red wine produced by Will Harlan, the son of Bill Harlan, founder of Harlan Estate and Bond Winery. Will Harlan pursued a couple of career paths before returning to Napa Valley and using grapes from some of the younger vines at Harlan and Bond to create The Mascot. The winemaking team for The Mascot is led by Cory Empting, winemaker at Bond. The Mascot’s debut vintage is the 2008, which was released in late 2013. It is generally available only via mailing list. About 500 cases of the 2008 vintage were produced. Will Harlan has said that production in future vintages will eventually reach about 1,000 cases.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.