Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour with raw oysters on the half shell. The 2024 pours a bright straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with fresh notes of grapefruit, star fruit, lemon grass, alfalfa and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Quite compelling. I could drink a lot of this. Drink now through 2034. — 9 days 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! — 7 months ago

Zach D

9.0

Delicate notes of citrus lemon, white peach, underripe apricot, white pepper, and a slight grassy undertone. Palate with more ripe apricot, saline, and juicy acidity. Finish is medium at best; definitely a nice warm weather wine, chilled. — a month ago

John Willison

9.1

Star Lane collaboration. Sauv Blan, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay. Grapefruit and juniper. Again. — 7 months 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. — 9 months ago

Patrick Hu

9.2

Laser-focused acid 👍 — 10 months ago

Billy L.

9.2

Excellent Sauvignon Blanc Cheers 👍🏻👏🏻 — 4 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.2

Supercharged electric. Tangy and bright with salty sorbet and a mine of marine minerality. Mostly Falanghina and Greco. I can move Albariño and Sancerre with ease but haven’t been able to get people to bite on this one despite my best efforts and its clear pedigree. — 5 months ago

John Willison

9.1

Collectors item label. Lighter than previous Gemina’s. Good balance of citrus and minerality. Also good with Massican. — 7 months ago

John Willison

9.0

Tropical fruit, dried grass, citrus acidity. — 10 months ago