One of the truly unique wineries that you will find in North America, Massican began back in 2009, and is the brainchild of famed winemaker Dan Petroski, who sought to make old-world inspired white wines in the Napa Valley where Cabernet is king. For years I have admired the wines by Petroski who quite simply took the Larkmead program by storm. The wines he made for years at Larkmead were nothing short of magical — wines that have plenty of power and flavor density, but also scream terroir.
Massican also shows off incredible terroir in their wines that show wonderful bright acidity but also display nice texture and depth. They are very Italian inspired while keeping their Napa character. The new vintage from 2021 was outstanding across the board — possibly a bit deeper and more concentrated than those made in 2020.
I adored the new 2021 Massican ‘Annia’ White Wine (OB,94) which deftly blends Tocai Fruliano, Ribolla Gialla and Chardonnay. I think there is really nothing like this made in North America. Learn more about these novel, one of a kind wines at massican.com Here are my reviews of the gorgeous new Massican wines.
2021 Massican ‘Annia’ White Wine- The 2021 ‘Annia’ is a blend of 51% Tocai Friulano with the remainder Ribolla Galla and Chardonnay. Buttered brioche with ripe peach and salted praline all mark the nose. The palate is deep and concentrated with a soft texture and wonderful underlying finesse. The mouth-watering acidity is outstanding here, as this is best enjoyed now and over the next six to eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 94
2021 Massican ‘Gemina’ White Wine- The beautiful 2021 ‘Gemina’ combines 75% Pinot. Bianco with the remainder Greco. Roasted cashew with nectarine and suggestions of sweetened gooseberry all fill the nose. Very polished and smooth once on the mouth, this shows an oily, almost unctuous texture. The level of nuance and flavor complexity here is really impressive, as the downright killer combination of weight, finesse and mouth-watering acidity really makes this tick. This scintillating white wine will become more nutty and earthy as this ages. Drink 2022-2030- 95
2021 Massican ‘Idlewild’ White Wine- A truly one of a kind blend of 30% Tocai Friulano with 25% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Chardonnay and 20% Malvasia, this golden-colored wine shows off exotic apricot and white peach notes on the nose, with cardamom dusted Japanese pear and star jasmine water. The palate is rich and deep, with a fantastic mineral backbone. This is novel and delicious wine that will age beautifully over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 94