Massican – Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
Massican’s take on Sauvignon Blanc is never about following trends, but about pushing boundaries. This 2016 proves that Napa whites—when crafted thoughtfully—can age with grace and finesse. At 9 years old, it’s still alive, structured, and fascinating, a clear statement that Sauvignon Blanc deserves a serious seat at the Napa table.
Aromas & Flavors
Zesty lime peel, grapefruit, and passionfruit weave together with subtle elderflower and a mineral core. Secondary notes of dried herbs, beeswax, and a hint of lanolin show its age but also add depth and intrigue.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, bright, and polished, with a spine of acidity that still carries energy. The texture is sleek yet layered, leading to a clean, lingering finish with citrus oil and gentle salinity.
Winemaking Notes
Fermented and aged with minimal intervention, Dan Petroski focused on preserving varietal purity while allowing the wine to develop gracefully over time. No oak heaviness—just pure Sauvignon character with a refined edge.
Food Pairing
Perfect with goat cheese crostini, seared scallops, spring vegetables, or even sushi. Its brightness and structure make it versatile across fresh, savory dishes.
Verdict
A rare aged Napa Sauvignon Blanc that stuns with its precision and longevity. Proof that Napa whites can stand tall in the cellar and deliver beyond their expected drinking window.
Personal Highlight
One of the most fascinating Sauvignon Blancs I’ve enjoyed from Napa—still vibrant after nearly a decade, and a reminder that Massican is rewriting the book on California whites. Cheers!
— a month ago
Cherry, oak, and violet. Bold for a Pinot with a touch of clove. — a month ago
Crisp but balanced with citrus and crème brûlée. Great acidity for food but has enough flavor to stand on it’s own. — a month ago
Good but could have used some more aging. Cranberry and cedar with tobacco that hasn’t had a chance to fully develop. — 2 months ago
Rich cocoa and cedar over raspberry, cola, and black cherry. Flavorful and smooth. — 3 months ago
Blackberry, cedar, and baking spice. Very Burgundy style. — a month ago
Red currant and lavender with smoke and a touch of white pepper. Flavorful and medium bodied it can go well with food but it complex enough to just drink and enjoy. — 3 months ago
Cherry, vanilla, blackberry, and cinnamon. Rich, flavorful, fruity and earthy. — 4 months ago
Andrea Watt
Smoke, leather, plum, and a touch of lavender. Smooth but rich. — a month ago