Experimental Harlan's Napa red launches in Hong Kong
A red Cabernet blend, created by Domain H. William Harlan, and not originally intended for sale, will debut in Hong Kong through leading wine importer Omtis Fine Wines.
Starting from this month, The Mascot will be distributed in Hong Kong by fine wine importer Omtis Fine Wines. A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon made from the younger vines of the estate’s three properties —Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory — The Mascot began as an experimental project, not intended for retail.
According to Will Harlan, managing director of Harlan Estate, he persuaded his family and the winegrowing teams to lend a few barrels of wine from the young vines of the three different properties to explore his own blend. A small quantity of the first official 2008 vintage was created —just enough to share with family and with friends.
Depending on the vintage, The Mascot is composed of 85-95% Cabernet Sauvignon, along with small quantities of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
The winemaking teams evaluate the young-vine lots (which range between 5-12 years) at the blending table between 6 and 14 months after fermentation, selecting the finest for inclusion. In total, The Mascot is aged in barrel for nearly three years prior to bottling and another 12 months in bottle prior to release.
Philippe Bera, CEO of Omtis Fine Wines, commented on the partnership: “My family started the business in Asia in 1919, from running cinemas, to distributing luxury watches, and now to fine wine. We understand the importance of changing with the times and bringing new ideas and creativity to inspire the team and the organization. This, we believe, coincides, with Will’s journey. We are very glad to be representing The Mascot in Hong Kong, a wine with absolute potential.”
“There is so much potential to understand our land better—and, through relationships such as we have with our friends at Omtis, to share the fruits of our endeavours with an international audience of patrons,” added Will Harlan.
The Mascot 2016 is now available on Omtis Fine Wines website. The wines are also available in select private members clubs, 5-star hotels and restaurants including Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, and Otto E Mezzo 8½ Bombana.
