Community Tasting Notes 31

• BellevuePhil Does not like this wine: 90 points

  February 19, 2024 - Amidst the cacophony of accolades and praises that often accompany the unveiling of a new vintage, there occasionally emerges a dissenting voice, a contrarian perspective that dares to swim against the tide of popular opinion. Such is the case with my experience of The Mascot Wine, particularly its 2018 vintage. While many wine enthusiasts and critics alike have lauded it with fervent praise, I found myself distinctly unimpressed by its offerings.
  
  Maybe too young? Has the 70's Left Bank Spoiled thee?
  
  The Mascot Wine, established as a sister label to the highly esteemed Harlan Estate, carries with it a weighty legacy and a lofty reputation. With its roots firmly planted in the revered Napa Valley, expectations for its wines are understandably high. However, as I delved into a tasting of the 2018 vintage, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment lingering on my palate.
  
  Did I breath it long enough? 2 hours?
  
  One of the most notable aspects of The Mascot Wine is its pedigree. Coming from the same stable as the legendary Harlan Estate, it's easy to assume that greatness is a given. Yet, while the familial ties may be strong, the wine itself failed to captivate me in the same way as its illustrious counterpart. Perhaps it's unfair to draw direct comparisons, but when one considers the lineage and the price point of The Mascot, such comparisons are inevitable.
  
  From the moment the wine met my lips, I was greeted with a bouquet that hinted at promise however.......—a deep symphony of dark fruits, subtle oak, and a hint of spice. Yet, as I allowed it to linger on my palate, I couldn't shake the feeling of unfulfilled potential. The flavors, while certainly present, lacked the depth and complexity that I had anticipated. Instead of a crescendo of flavors dancing across my taste buds, I found myself confronted with a rather one-dimensional profile that failed to evolve or entice with each sip.
  
  One of the hallmarks of a truly exceptional wine is its ability to transport the drinker to another time and place, to evoke emotions and memories with each sip. In this regard, The Mascot Wine fell short of the mark for me. While it possessed a certain level of finesse and polish, it lacked that intangible quality that sets truly remarkable wines apart from the rest. Instead of whisking me away on a journey of sensory delight, it left me feeling oddly detached, as though I were merely going through the motions rather than experiencing something truly extraordinary.
  
  Furthermore, while I understand that wine appreciation is inherently subjective and personal, I couldn't help but feel that The Mascot Wine failed to justify its lofty price tag. In an industry where prestige often comes with a hefty price, one expects nothing short of perfection for such a significant investment. Yet, with The Mascot, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was paying more for the name on the label rather than the liquid in the bottle.
  
  Of course, it's worth noting that my experience with The Mascot Wine is just that—an experience. Palates vary wildly from person to person, and what may be lackluster to one individual may be a revelation to another. Indeed, there are countless oenophiles who swear by the virtues of The Mascot Wine and extol its virtues with fervent enthusiasm. However, as someone who approaches wine with a discerning eye and a critical palate, I cannot help but offer a dissenting opinion amidst the chorus of praise.
  
  In conclusion, while The Mascot Wine undoubtedly has its merits, particularly in its association with the esteemed Harlan Estate, I found myself underwhelmed by its 2018 vintage. Despite its pedigree and reputation, it failed to deliver the depth, complexity, and emotional resonance that I have come to expect from wines of a similar caliber. While others may rave about its virtues, I cannot help but feel that The Mascot Wine fell short of the mark for me. As with all matters of taste, however, I encourage others to sample it for themselves and draw their own conclusions. After all, wine appreciation is as much an art as it is a science, and beauty truly lies in the eye—or in this case, the palate—of the beholder.
  
  It’s to self: not ready give as gifts

  2 people found this helpful Comment

• Sonoma-W Likes this wine: 98 points

  January 5, 2024 - Another winner bottle!

  2 people found this helpful Comments (1)

• Tonythefish Likes this wine: 94 points

  December 21, 2023 - See prior notes - still young but aging is treating it very well

  2 people found this helpful Comment

• cos65 Likes this wine: 92 points

  November 26, 2023 - Dense opaque ruby purple
  Dense cassis, dark cherry flavors with a touch of vanilla. Seems classy, but young and the tannins start creeping in after a few sips. Tasty and seems that it should hold up well.

  2 people found this helpful Comments (1)

• Tonythefish wrote: 94 points

  November 10, 2023 - Youthful wine. Deep red color with medium tannins. 30 second finish. Dark fruits, graphite, and floral notes. Will get better with more age

  2 people found this helpful

Pro Reviews 1

Wine Definition

• Vintage 2018
• Type Red
• Producer The Mascot
• Varietal Red Bordeaux Blend
• Designation n/a
• Vineyard n/a
• Country USA
• Region California
• SubRegion Napa Valley
• Appellation Napa Valley
• UPC Codes 000002842769, 000004314448, 784585028962, 891178001377

Community Holdings

• Pending Delivery 77 (1%)
• In Cellars 5,200 (72%)
• Consumed 1,988 (27%)

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