Ron from VA

9.1

Linear yet elegant…dense, darker red fruit carries balance thru the attack into a medium+ weighted finish (think artisan cola) - highlighting fine grain tannins. Fall Herbs lend subtle accent to polished build. Oak is not intrusive The 2016 Meritage is a blend of 45% Merlot, 28% Petit Verdot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 9% Malbec, and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. The majority of the fruit came from Rougemont vineyard in Keswick, VA, with the remainder coming from Adventure Farm, Wild Meadow, Carter's Mountain, and Honah Lee. The grapes are fermented with natural yeast in stainless steel tanks and then barrel aged in 54% new French oak individually and blended for a total of 21 months. We believe that the Bordeaux blends produce some of Virginia's best and most expressive wines. The 2016 Meritage blend is a reflection of what we strive for in both the grape growing and winemaking. — 4 years ago

Beachin Wino

9.0

Enjoyed on Thanksgiving. A lovely Virginia white blend. Beautiful aromas and balance make this an easy sipper. — 6 years ago

Ron from VA

9.5

A tour d’force! power/precision/persuasive begins to outline this epic build. It’s Tannat frontman sings with real integrity and conviction. Maybe the best “big red meat wine” in Virginia. — 7 years ago

Al Shikoh

8.9

Moderate reddish purple with amber rim. A little tight but with red cherry, mushroom, cloves, mint, and floral notes on the nose. Tart cranberry fruit and prominent minerality on the palate with medium tannins, bright acidity, 13% alcohol, and pleasing persistence. — 8 years ago

Roger Custer

9.1

Excellent, smooth, easy drinking combination of light citrus and a little woody — 9 years ago

Kristine Williams

9.0

Fancy dinner with Josh. Loved it!! The wine too ;) — 9 years ago

Ron from VA

9.2

Ahh, varietally correct tannat :) While a little thin in the late-palate finish, there is a richness on the attack that make for a raised eyebrow. One could see a 93-4pt gem if this was blended with 30% PV. Nevertheless, a fab expression of varietal that make Virginia shine. — 5 years ago

Ron from VA

9.3

Ridiculously delicious...will acquire more ASAP. 2017 vintage offered full ripening + 100% vineyard management of precise pick moment. Shaps’ oak treatment is perfectly tailored to the terroir/fruit profile. One of the most regal Cali-Style VA offerings in a long while. Tremendous with food...top shelf stuff 93pt for the mouthfeel and finish! — 5 years ago

Ron from VA

8.9

This is the moment when I realized that I can really enjoy and 89 point rating wine… There are technical reasons why this is not 90 points or greater for me, yet it was DELICIOUS! The beauty of this wind is it’s delicate treatment and the patience to let it air rate and open up like a gorgeous rose on the summer morning. There is a sensual Pinot like element that requires you to not expect the varietal correctness of Malbec. Rather, remember that it’s from Round Hill Virginia and the skill of Michael Shaps is at play here. This is one of those germs that you are glad you discovered and were thoughtful enough to buy more than one bottle ;) it will be exciting to see what 16 and 17th and it just taste like!! — 7 years ago

Ron from VA

9.0

An aging project, this Michael Shaps led Cab Franc had a real since of place "taste". I think this was given a non-case Gold in VA. Really good structure - tannins and acid still carrying real strong energy! The success in this aging process: tempered junk! You know, the wild red fruit mixed with the herbal spice...it was mellowed into an elegant to Tenor. Loud yet articulate :) — 8 years ago

Ron from VA

9.0

With the context of Virginia as the terroir for cab sav, this is a winner. Chocolate and Caramel swirl in a sturdy full-bodied offering made by Michael Shaps with grapes from Monticello AVA. Acidity and tannins are reasonable enough to balance with black, fruit forward for design. what makes this a complete wine and worthy of accumulation is the long satisfying finish. Yummy! — 9 years ago

Ron from VA

9.0

Lovely! Full featured - full bodied gem from the last vintage made by the chap who left for Shaps. Oak and vanilla are at about 75% which lets the beautiful tropical notes (banana) and subtle floral sweetness...I will try to add another bottle :) — 10 years ago

Ron from VA

9.2

Yummmm, the poetic potential of PV is on display here. Solid build by Shaps team of a really special estate program near Fieldale-Collinsville. Classic and varietally correct! Not heavy-handed, rather more feminine in the same way CF can have a softer side. — 5 years ago

Ron from VA

9.3

Like mountain spring water: pure & natural. Nothing contrived here - just clean / pure varietal taste. Northern Italy’s Sangiovese or Spain’s Tempranillo take notice - this build is legit and coming for your market share!! Medium weight with balance / structure with dried & fresh fruit elements. A true gem for mid-week cuisine. Shaps is a genius not to muck up Virginia Hamlet’s work in the vineyard. — 5 years ago

Slestyan

9.0

Wet fruity and tangy — 6 years ago

Ron from VA

9.4

What a difference the designer makes! I assume that Nate was responsible for this vintage and boy is it a start improvement. Stylistically, this mirrors Michael Shaps - and I approve! Mark’s extraction and choice of oak led to a heavy, food awkward profile. This quintessential harvest cycle yields tremendous purity and beauty. Acidity and sweetness have a beautiful dance wrapped in a medium weight mouthfeel. More please!! — 7 years ago

Matt Mason

9.4

C straw; N citrus, white peach; T lemon grapefruit up front, white peach on the end. — 8 years ago

Austin Hohnke

9.1

Like massaging a leather couch stuffed with dried cherries and spice. For a decade. Barbaresco wouldn't be an awful call. — 9 years ago

Kristi 18

9.0

Great wine. Had several over the weekend — 10 years ago