The Mascot is a project launched by Will Harlan, the son of Bill Harlan, who founded the iconic Harlan Estate in Napa Valley. Will Harlan recently took over from his father as general manager of the estate, whose cuvees are recognised as being among the greatest Californian wines.
Initially an informal project started amongst family members and a few friends, The Mascot aims to reveal, through young vines planted on hillsides, the identity and lineage of three estates’ exceptional terroirs: Harlan Estate, BOND and Promontory, all of which belong to the Harlan family.
This innovative wine is produced as a result of a teamwork which highlights the know-how and experience of winegrowers from each of the three estates. The Mascot thus defines itself as a wine for pleasure, a wine for sharing that is more accessible than these estates’ prestigious crus.
Produced in small quantities, this creation, which brings together liveliness and a beautiful drinkability, quickly won over the Harlan family’s circle, who subsequently decided to market a part of their production.
It was then necessary to find a name and a label for this wine. Inspiration was found through, on the one hand, a love for dogs, which was something all of the team at the estate had in common, and through, on the other hand, the family’s engraving collection, one of which is of a white English bull terrier named Prince. This dog has an unusual story, notably having been the mascot for baseball, football and hockey teams sponsored by the National Bank of Pittsburgh, whose Director, the owner of this bull terrier, would allow him to enter the bank as he liked. He would greet customers and employees alike while standing guard.
Through his loyalty and generosity, this four-legged mascot carries values dear to the Harlan family. The Mascot is a warm and generous wine which reveals both the aromatic typicality of Napa Valley Cabernets and the finest wines from these three exceptional estates.
