Today we share the brilliant wines of Massican. This is a brand that was started by Dan Petroski back in 2009. The idea is genius — seeking to create old-world inspired white wines in the Napa Valley where Cabernet is unabashedly king. These wines continue to be affordably priced, where entry level Chardonnays in Napa command 100 dollars and sometimes more. For years Dan made world-class wines at Larkmead which rivaled some of the finest wines of the region — at a fraction of the price of cult competitors.
These wines have been impressive regardless of vintage. It is no surprise that Dan sold his winery to Gallo in September 2023. I’m totally enamored by the 2025 Massican ‘Gemina’ White Wine (OB, 94) which is a marvelous rendition of Napa Greco. You won’t find a wine just like this anywhere in the world. Learn more about these novel, one of a kind wines at massican.com Here are my reviews of the gorgeous new Massican wines.
2025 Massican Pinot Grigio- A really good wine, the 2025 Massican Pinot Grigio comes off very mineral-laden and fresh with a smooth mouthfeel. Kiwi, wet stone and pink grapefruit flavors collide on the palate, with a great salty tension. Drink 2026-2032- 92
2025 Massican Sauvignon Blanc- The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc comes from several sites in Sonoma and Napa. It is fresh and vibrant with orange peel and Meyer lemon zest alongside wet rock and serious verve on the palate. Light to medium-bodied, with a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2032- 92
2025 Massican ‘Gemina’ White Wine- The 2025 ‘Gemina’ combines Greco and Falanghina with a touch of Fiano. The name is inspired by an ancient varietal that dates back to the first century AD, called Aminea Gemina. This is fat, heady and rich with terrific flavor range. Citrus and tropical fruits mingle well with salty and stony minerals on the palate, with beeswax nuances. Drink 2026-2033- 94
2024 Massican ‘Annia’ White WIne- The 2023 ‘Annia’ primarily Tocai Friulano and Ribolla Gialla showing smaller parts Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. Soft on the mouth, this delivers loads of melon fruits that mingle well with lemon oil, roasted pineapple and sea salt dusted French bread. Drink 2026-2033- 93
2025 Massican ‘Hyde’ Chardonnay- A great new wine from this famed site, the 2025 ‘Hyde’ Chardonnay comes from this historic location in the Carneros district. It is loaded with salty minerality on the palate. Mango and pineapple notes combine with nutty and earthy nuances on the palates with shades of wet rock. The combination of weight, length and finesse is outstanding. Drink 2026-2034- 94