There’s always a special thrill in opening a wine for the first time, especially when it’s a gift. I recently had the joy of uncorking a bottle of The Mascot 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, thoughtfully gifted by my dear friend K👤 who knows about my deep love for dogs🐶 The sight of the English bull terrier on the label, marked by three shiny black dots (two eyes and a nose🥹🫶🏻) resembling those of my own Jack Russel terrier, instantly uplifted my spirits.😍
This thoughtful gesture made the experience of opening this wine even more special. Keen to fully appreciate my gift, I embarked on researching The Mascot, only to find that detailed information was somewhat scarce due to its exclusivity. Nevertheless, I’ve managed to compile all that I could to share not just the wine’s rich flavors but also its storied heritage with you guys.
Table of Contents
1. Rich Backstory of the Mascot
The Mascot wine originates from a distinguished lineage within the Napa Valley, born from the younger vines of the prestigious Harlan family’s properties: Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory. These estates are known for their meticulous viticulture and have contributed to redefining quality wine production in the region.
Harlan Estate itself was founded in 1984 in the western hills of Oakville, quickly establishing itself as a benchmark for quality in Napa Valley. BOND and Promontory followed, each echoing the family’s commitment to creating distinct site-specific wines. The Mascot, initially a private label shared only amongst close family and friends, was nurtured into a standalone brand that embodies the youthful spirit and evolving character of its parent estates’ vines.
You can find more interesting details from the site of the Mascot.
The Mascot Story
The Mascot began as an unlabeled wine from the younger vines of the Harlan family domain. Founded in 1984, Harlan Estate aimed to be California’s “first growth.” In 1996, BOND was established to highlight Napa Valley’s Cabernet Sauvignon diversity. Acquired in 2008, Promontory represents modern winegrowing led by the family’s second generation. The Mascot, made from these young vines, hints at the unique character of their grands vins.s.
The Mascot Conception
Despite being unlabeled, The Mascot wine charmed close friends, leading to its own identity. Initially produced in small quantities, production increased as vines aged, with 500 cases made. Led by Cory Empting, the team set aside barrels annually. The Mascot is vigorous yet approachable, matured longer to be enjoyable upon release and suitable for aging. Inspired by the team’s love for dogs, its name and label reflect loyalty, energy, friendliness, perseverance, and heart, making it a wine to enjoy with friends and family.
2. A Canine Connection : A Canine Paring
What truly sets The Mascot apart is its homage to the family’s beloved dogs, represented on the label by a dignified English bull terrier. This depiction not only adds character to the bottle but also reflects the wine’s loyal and bold nature.
please see below for detailed ‘Inspiration’ stories
The inspiration came from “The Bar Sinister” (1903) by Richard Harding Davis, about a white English bull terrier named Kid, who rose from the streets of Montreal to a Long Island blue-ribbon winner, driven by loyalty and justice. The label’s second inspiration was a family engraving of another white English bull terrier, Prince, used by the Farmers Deposit National Bank of Pittsburgh. Prince, a mascot for local sports teams, embodied integrity and loyalty. These figures symbolize honor, courage, and generosity, introducing newcomers to Napa Valley Cabernet and paving the way to the Harlan family’s grands vins.
As a dog lover myself, 🐶😍 this resonates deeply with me, especially since my own Jack Russell Terrier, Winnie, embodies the same lively spirit, sharing a love for playful activities like his Mascot counterparts, Prince and Kid.
While we have dinner with the wine, our beloved Winnie🐶 was sitting peacefully underneath the dining table, thinking of precious memories with him, it was quite unexpected experience ever I had.😌
I realized that the joy of this wine doesn’t just lie in its flavor profile or the heritage of its vineyards—it also perfectly complements moments spent with my beloved dog. I like to think of this as a ‘ Canine Pairing,’ where each sip of the wine brought back cherished memories, making the experience uniquely heartwarming and complete.
If you are insterested in my life with Winnie🐶, please find out more about me😉.
3. Food Pairing: Homemade Ragu Pasta
Before tasting, I decanted the wine for two hours to ensure it presented its best qualities. I usually use my Riedel’s Apple decanter for almost all red wines. Waiting a while can be challenging, but as you know, the patience is well rewarded with tremendous taste and joy.
The wine greeted me with a deep crimson hue and a complex bouquet of black fruits, vanilla, and a hint of dark chocolate.
Its robust and intricately structured flavors create a harmonious match with my all-time favorite dish—homemade ragu pasta. Crafting this pasta is a labor of love; its slow-cooked, meaty sauce deeply imbued with a rich tomato base, garlic, and herbs, simmers for hours, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
The Mascot, with its subtle and mild character, complements the hearty and bold aromas of the pasta without overwhelming it. This sauce’s complexity, combined with the tender, succulent chunks of meat, pairs impeccably with the wine’s layered notes of dark fruit and refined tannins.
The Mascot’s ability to balance power and elegance enhances the depth of the ragu, making each bite more satisfying. Regularly choosing this pairing, I relish how a superbly crafted wine can transform a meticulously prepared meal into an extraordinary dining experience.
4. Wine Expert, Jancis Robinson’s Review
As I mentioned earlier, due to its exclusivity, there aren’t many expert comments on The Mascot. However, as a subscriber to Jancis Robinson’s site, I was able to access her insightful reviews. She has praised several vintages of the wine, particularly noting the 2019 vintage, which she awarded 17 points out of 20 for its “Napa lusciousness,” excellent structure, and vibrant finish. Her reviews highlight the wine’s ability to thrill and evolve, promising increased complexity with age.
Bright crimson with some evolution at the rim. Actually there is quite a bit of interest on the nose here. This has lift as well as Napa lusciousness and good structure, balance and length. Throbs with life on the long finish. Quite impressive! And broachable.
Jancis Robinson, The Moscot 2019, 17/20 points
Also, Find other 5 vintages reviews below
5. Final Thoughts
The Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon is far more than just a wine; it embodies a rich tapestry of tradition, passion, and a deep-seated tribute to our loyal companions. As I sipped this wine, each taste brought forth a narrative, not just of the wine’s origin, but of a journey shared with my beloved terrier.
This journey is enhanced by every joyful leap and playful moment we’ve shared, mirroring the profound connection between the sun-drenched vineyards and the spirited essence captured in each bottle. The Mascot is not merely a beverage; it is an ongoing story, unfolding with each glass, forever intertwined with the cherished memories of time spent with my canine friend.
Explore More Vintages of The Mascot
For those interested in exploring further, the 2019 vintage of The Mascot, available on ‘wine.com’, has received highly praised, as noted by Jancis Robinson. Enjoy! 😃🍷
