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! — 18 days ago

Paul J

9.2

Such a great food wine!

Classic orange/gold color. Less acidic and bold as prior vintages. Orange, melons, and spaghetti sauce (??) dominate. Lovely texture, — 4 months ago

with Brooke

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. — 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

Fabio Franchella

9.3

Wunderbare mineralität, straff, leicht trüb/unfiltriert, hauch komplex, nüsse, zitruszesten, pfirsich, leicht melong. Ein sehr schöner wein! — 4 months ago

Riccardo L.

9.0

Valentina Cappuccina — 4 months ago

Jen

9.0

1996 rather oxidized but still nice. Monteverde — a month ago

romo

9.2

500. Tannic, but gentle. Very unfiltered with full-bodied unripe mango. wild not Wild. — 3 months ago

Paul J

9.3

Very light gold color. Peaches, pineapple, flint, and lemongrass on the nose. This is more Sauv Blanc and Riesling than previous vintages, Less acidity too. Still good, just different from previous vintages I’ve had. Great depth and long finish. Love the complexity and uniqueness! — 3 months ago

with Brooke

Brandon Thiessen

9.3

Very cidery, briochy, super fine bubbles — 4 months ago