The Mascot

Classification

The Mascot is an exclusive Napa Valley project conceived by Will Harlan, son of Bill Harlan of Harlan Estate fame. Positioned as a bridge between the acclaimed estates of the Harlan family portfolio—Harlan Estate, Bond, and Promontory—The Mascot presents a refined yet approachable introduction to this elite lineage of hillside wines. Though youthful in spirit, it upholds the same principles of excellence and terroir transparency that define its parent estates.

Highlights

• Harlan Family Heritage: Crafted from younger vines of Harlan Estate, Bond, and Promontory vineyards.
• Limited Release: Produced in small quantities and traditionally offered through private allocation before wider distribution.
• Collector’s Entry Point: Represents an accessible yet authentic expression of the Harlan winemaking ethos.
• Oakville Provenance: Originating from Napa’s western hillsides, known for volcanic soils and exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon structure.

Provenance & Masters Behind the Bottle

The Mascot was first introduced in the late 2000s as a private family project, designed to showcase the personality of young vines within the Harlan family’s holdings. Will Harlan, who leads the endeavor, sought to present a wine that captured the shared DNA of these legendary properties while appealing to a new generation of collectors. The production benefits from the same viticultural oversight and cellar expertise of the greater Harlan Estate team, ensuring consistency, precision, and authenticity across the family’s portfolio.

Vineyard & Craftsmanship

The fruit for The Mascot is sourced from vines averaging five to fifteen years of age across the Harlan Estate, Bond, and Promontory vineyards. These hillside plots, situated in the western hills of Oakville and neighboring sub-AVAs, feature volcanic and sedimentary soils that yield Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable depth and clarity. The Mascot is vinified and aged using the same artisanal methods as its sibling estates, emphasizing gentle extraction, extended élevage, and balance between structure and grace. The result is a cohesive expression of the Harlan style—discipline, precision, and a quiet confidence.

Aging & Investment Value

While The Mascot is crafted to be more approachable in its youth than the flagship Harlan Estate wines, it retains impressive cellaring potential and long-term desirability. Its connection to three of Napa’s most prestigious estates grants it enduring collector appeal and a strong secondary-market presence. For those seeking to enter the world of Harlan wines, The Mascot represents both an educational and investment-worthy introduction to one of California’s most respected wine dynasties.