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Michael Shaps Wines
Michael Shaps wines are produced in small lots from grapes that are grown under the supervision of Michael Shaps and Philip Stafford. Michael has established a reputation for high quality that ranks on an international scale with some of the best wines in the world. For the past eight vintages Michael has created these wines with careful attention to the details of fine wine production. The wines are produced with a traditional old-world style. The whites focus on varietal intensity and a good amount of acidity. The reds are crafted to be age worthy and require cellaring.
Michael strongly believes in choosing grape varieties that represent the potential of Virginia viticulture. Michael's wines prove that Virginia can produce wines that compete head to head with some of the finest wines from the best regions in the wine world.
In addition to wining the prestigious Governor's Cup wine competition, Michael Shaps wines have earned gold medals in several competitions and have been written up in publications such as Saveur, Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, Washington Post, the Washingtonian and many others.
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2008 MICHAEL SHAPS VIOGNIER $32
The 2008 vintage was an exceptional year in Virginia. This viognier is made primarily in stainless steel tanks and is highlighted by the aromatic intensity that is the result of a long, cold fermentation. Peach and apricot notes combine with a hint of anise to bring out a fresh and enticing aroma. The weight and body of the wine is classic viognier, with a deceptive richness and good acidity. This wine remains balanced and dry on the finish. Previous vintages have been highly acclaimed: this " may be the best Viognier in America" (Saveur, April 2007); and "hottest small brands in the U.S." ( Wine Business Monthly, February 2008). 200 cases.
2007 MICHAEL SHAPS CHARDONNAY $32
This is the first release under the Michael Shaps label. After years of making Chardonnay for other labels as well as in Burgundy, Michael is proud to produce one under his own label. This Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown at the Wild Meadow Vineyard in Hillsboro, Virginia using the Dijon clone #96 and fermented with a native yeast strain. This wine was made in 50% new oak with a native fermentation that lasted six weeks. The result is a Chardonnay with unique character. The native yeast fermentation has produced a complexity of aromas that are held together with the richness of French oak. The "sur lies" aging gives the wine weight and complexity that integrates well with the acidity and fruit structure. With special care and attention to details, this wine shows that Virginia can make an elegant Chardonnay with a lot of character. 150 cases.
2007 MICHAEL SHAPS PETIT VERDOT $32
The current release is the follow up to the highly acclaimed 2005 vintage. A small lot production of this very dark aromatic red. The wine has wonderful spice and floral notes. The color is reflective of the concentration of flavors. Rich, with bold tannins, a lot of structure and varietal intensity. There are hints of raisin and some tobacco. This is a young wine that has great aging potential. 75 cases.
2007 MICHAEL SHAPS CABERNET FRANC $32
Made in a traditional old world style, this is a heavily extracted wine designed to highlight the aging potential of Cabernet Franc. The grapes were harvested at ultimate maturity (25 brix) and the wine went through and extended maceration for six weeks. This Cabernet Franc has rich dark fruit aromas and touch of earthiness. The tannin extraction is evident, but does not overwhelm the wine. The concentration of fruit, balanced by oak provides for a lengthy finish. This wine will be evolving for the next ten years. 250 cases produced
2007 MICHAEL SHAPS MERLOT $32
Aged twenty one months in oak, this wine is an example of the what made merlot an international star back in the day. Produced from very ripe and concentrated fruit, we have extracted great structure, flavors and length from the berries. Aged in 50% new French oak as well as older barrels, this wine is built to age. Very reminiscent of the 2001 vintage that received much acclaim and should reach maturity in about 2020. 100 cases produced
2007 MICHAEL SHAPS MERITAGE $50
A blend of the three Bordeaux varietals, 50% Cabernet Franc,30% Merlot and 20% Petit Verdot. Aged two years in oak with 50% of that being new, the wine is styled in a classic Bordelaise style. A heavy tannic structure is complimented by great depth of fruit and the integration of the oak flavors. This is the first such release under the Michael Shaps label and we believe that this will be one for the ages. 125 cases produced.
2007 MICHAEL SHAPS RAISIN D'ETRE $25
A unique wine produced from dried grapes, this a blend of 75% Petit Verdot and 25% Cabernet Franc that was dried for two months on rying racks prior to fermentation. The grapes were harvested at 24 brix and dried to 35 brix. The wine fermeted to about 14.5% alcohol and has about 4% residual sugar. Intense aromas of raisins and prunes are backed by the same flavors in the mouth. We like to refer to this wine as a mini Port. Not too sweet or alcoholic for food, only 700 1/2 bottles produced.
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