Massican; First taste of 2012

Todays addition may just be a quick note, but it's well worth your time. The wine's of Massican have inspired me on more than one occasion. With an introduction to the wines in 2010 with, Massican: Passion in a Bottle, to a detailed food and wine pairing piece in 2011: "Is it Napa or Fruli? Neither. It's Massican".

Each vintage I've been impressed by these wines.  And now, having just tasted the 2012 Massican Annia, I think this is the best vintage--for this wine--to date.  a quick recap for those not familiar with these wines, Massican is a project headed up by Dan Petroski (the assistant winemaker at Larkmead Vineyards).  His wines find a very Italian profile in the soils of Napa Valley.  They are well defined with great acidity and focused fruit.  In a blind tasting, you would easily believe these to be one of the best wines from Friuli or Alto-Adige.  This year the Annia is a blend of 46% Ribolla Gialla, 36% Tocai Friulano and 18% Chardonnay.  If you're a lover of Italian whites, this is a wine you must try.

2012 Massican Annia - The nose of the 2012 Annia was simply gorgeous, with lime infused wet rock, backed by floral undergrowth, notes of peach skin and almond that came forward with time in the glass. On the palate, I found a level of intensity that, in the past, required an extra year in the cellar for Massican, yet it was here on the first pour. Still incredibly vibrant with teaming green apple acidity that made the mouth water, showcasing ripe pit fruits, weighty textures and a bitter twang that lasted through the refreshing finish. As much as i'm enjoying this now, I'm sure it will continue to improve due to it's impeccable balance. It's going to be hard not to drink them all this summer. (93 points) Find it on : Wine-Searcher!

Visit: Massican Winery