The mascot varietal wine is a unique and exciting category of wine that has gained popularity in recent years. This type of wine takes its name from the mascot or emblem that is often used to represent a particular brand or company. The idea behind mascot varietal wines is to create a distinctive and recognizable wine that stands out from the crowd. These wines are often made from a single grape variety, such as Merlot, Chardonnay, or Cabernet Sauvignon. The grape variety is typically chosen for its unique characteristics and flavors, which give the wine its distinct personality. By focusing on a single grape varietal, winemakers can showcase the best qualities of that specific grape and create a wine that is consistent in style and taste.
As the winery notes, this wine is made from the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory.
Contradictory as it may seem, the dramas that sometimes punctuate the definitive months for the growing season help to frame the winegrowing team s course of action; yet the tranquil succession of weeks that emerged between spring and fall in 2018 left almost entirely open the question of when to harvest. The Mascot is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon made from distinct hillside vineyards specifically, the younger vines of Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory.
By focusing on a single grape varietal, winemakers can showcase the best qualities of that specific grape and create a wine that is consistent in style and taste. One of the main advantages of mascot varietal wines is that they offer consumers a clear understanding of what to expect from the wine. By labeling the wine with the grape variety used, consumers can easily identify the flavor profile and characteristics they enjoy.
Mascot - Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (750ml)
“The Mascot” began as a family wine, unnamed, unlabeled—a blend made for and poured at our own table. The components were of the highest pedigree, harvested from the younger vines of the Harlan family domain.
The domain traces its beginning to the founding in 1984 of Harlan Estate, located in the western hills of Oakville and conceived as a “first growth of California.” In 1996, the family established BOND, a portfolio of “Grand Cru” vineyards whose wines showcase the range of expression of cabernet sauvignon across distinct geographical sites within the Napa Valley. Promontory, whose land the family acquired in 2008, is led by the family’s second generation and represents a 21st-century approach to winegrowing. As these varied sites were gradually replanted, many of the young vines contributed to my project. Yet, despite these distinguished origins, my early endeavor could only hint at the individual character embodied by each of our grands vins.
Mascot Description
Even so, the wine showed charm and over time drew an affectionate following of close friends—so enthusiastic a following that we felt this intimate bottling deserved to have an identity of its own. The team took a little convincing, as the wine existed at first in very small quantities. But as more of the newer vines reached an age appropriate to warrant inclusion in the blend (typically 7 - 12 years), and once 500 cases had been produced, we persuaded our winegrowing team, led by Cory Empting, that a certain number of barrels could be set aside for this project on an annual basis.
From the start, the principal characteristic of The Mascot was vigor tempered by approachability. We decided to mature the wine a little longer, so that, upon release, it was delicious to drink and intensely vibrant, with the force and depth that enabled extended aging—a wine to enjoy viscerally and without excessive reverence. In short, the wonderful wine to share among friends and family.
A single common thread guided our choice of a name and label for this new creation: our shared passion for canines. The dogs associated with our team are a varied bunch, but all exhibit loyalty, energy, friendliness, perseverance, and heart.
“The Mascot” began as a family wine, unnamed, unlabeled—a blend made for and poured at our own table. The components were of the highest pedigree, harvested from the younger vines of the Harlan family domain.
This makes it easier for them to make informed choices and discover new wines that suit their preferences. Mascot varietal wines also provide winemakers with an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity. By working with a single grape variety, winemakers can experiment with different winemaking techniques and approaches to produce a wine that is truly unique. This allows them to express their individual style and create a wine that stands out in a crowded market. Overall, mascot varietal wines offer a fun and exciting alternative to traditional blended wines. By focusing on a single grape variety, these wines provide consumers with a clear understanding of what to expect and allow winemakers to showcase their skills and creativity. Whether you are a wine lover looking for something new or a winemaker looking to make a statement, mascot varietal wines are definitely worth exploring..
Reviews for "The Role of Mascot Varietal Wine in Wine Collecting"
1. John Smith - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Mascot" varietal wine. The taste was dry and bitter, leaving an unpleasant aftertaste. It lacked the delicate and subtle flavors that I expect from a good varietal wine. I would not recommend this wine to anyone who appreciates a quality varietal experience.
2. Sarah Johnson - 1 star - I found "The Mascot" varietal wine to be extremely underwhelming. The aroma was lackluster, and the taste was unremarkable. It lacked complexity and depth, leaving me wondering if I had wasted my money. I would not purchase this wine again, as there are far better varietals available at a similar price range.
3. Michael Thompson - 2 stars - "The Mascot" varietal wine did not live up to my expectations. The flavors were muted and lacked character, making it difficult to enjoy. The wine felt thin and overly acidic on the palate. Overall, it was a disappointing experience, and I would not recommend it to fellow wine enthusiasts.
4. Emily Davis - 1 star - I had high hopes for "The Mascot" varietal wine, but it fell flat for me. The taste was bland and uninspiring, and it lacked the complexity that I seek in a varietal wine. Furthermore, it had a harsh finish that left a lingering unpleasant taste in my mouth. I regret purchasing this wine and would not buy it again.
5. Richard Thompson - 2 stars - "The Mascot" varietal wine was a letdown for me. The flavors were overly fruity and artificial, making it taste more like a cheap fruit juice than a quality varietal wine. It lacked the balance and sophistication I prefer in a wine. Overall, it failed to impress me, and I would not recommend it to wine enthusiasts looking for a true varietal experience.