Freddy R. Troya

9.3

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

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Pale lemon color with aromas of stone and citrus fruits with floral and herb notes. On the palate flavors of apple, peach, melon and lemon citrus zest, with notes of honey and herbs. Medium+ finish ending with fruit, balanced acidity and floral mineral character. — 2 months ago

Patrick Hu

9.2

Laser-focused acid 👍 — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Massican – White Blend 2016
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Massican has become Napa’s benchmark for Italian-inspired whites, and the 2016 vintage shows why. Crafted from an unconventional blend of Ribolla Gialla (60%), Tokai Friulano (31%), and Chardonnay (9%), it brings a Friulian soul to California sunshine. This is not your typical Napa white—rather, it’s a wine with structure, texture, and an old-world sense of ageability.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, layers of pear, yellow apple, chamomile, and almond skin mingle with subtle honey and dried herbs. The palate leans savory and complex: citrus oil, quince, and stone fruit wrapped in saline minerality, finishing with a faint oxidative lift that adds intrigue.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a broad, waxy texture that still feels fresh thanks to bright acidity. The oxidative tension on the back end gives it depth and a slightly nutty echo that lingers.

Winemaking Notes
Dan Petroski’s minimalist approach—native yeast fermentation, neutral oak, and stainless steel—keeps the focus on texture and authenticity, allowing Ribolla Gialla and Friulano to shine in an unusual Napa setting.

Food Pairing
Ideal with richer seafood (lobster, scallops), roasted chicken, creamy risottos, or alpine cheeses. Its savory edges make it versatile across Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Verdict
A fascinating white blend that breaks the mold of Napa Valley. Complex, age-worthy, and distinctive—showing that California can excel beyond Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. A bottle for explorers who appreciate texture as much as fruit.

Personal Highlight
Massican remains one of my favorite Napa whites, because it dares to break tradition. This 2016 shows the brilliance of Ribolla Gialla and Friulano outside their native Friuli—delivering a wine with personality, depth, and an unforgettable edge. Cheers! — a month ago

Ericsson

8.9

One of those wines I’d been meaning to try for a while and just hadn’t gotten around it. One of these modern compelling white blends. Pretty interspersed with lots going on. Little hint of elder flower on the nose and umami on the palate. More interesting than savory. Cheers. — 3 months ago

Stuart Pollack

9.2

Nice Chardonnay. Leave open one hour before consuming. Apple and pear Chardonnay combined with vanilla and oak, and some lemon in the finish. — 10 months ago

John Willison

9.1

Star Lane collaboration. Sauv Blan, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay. Grapefruit and juniper. Again. — a month ago

John Willison

9.0

Consistently good. Consistently Massican. Somewhere between New Zealand and Californian. — 2 months ago

John Willison

9.1

Collectors item label. Lighter than previous Gemina’s. Good balance of citrus and minerality. Also good with Massican. — 2 months ago

John Willison

9.0

Tropical fruit, dried grass, citrus acidity. — 4 months ago