Maison Shaps

Michael Shaps

Monticello Tannat 2016

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

Milissa, Ericsson and 3 others liked this

Michael Shaps

En Hommage Odette White Belnd 2016

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

P, Paul and 11 others liked this

Michael Shaps

En Hommage L. Scott Monticello Red Belnd 2015

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

Michael Shaps

Virginia Viognier 2016

Opened our Virgina wine! We loved this wine at our tasting so much that we bought two of them. On the nose this wine has aromas of Asian pear and minerals. On the palate this wine has a very classic Viognier taste with a slight bubble, sour lemon, a touch of unripe apricot, peach skin and mineral notes. I love a good Viognier which Virginia has put on the map. Cheers!!!! — 8 years ago

Christy, Neal and 1 other liked this
Neal Schaffer

Neal Schaffer

Let’s get a blind tasting together! It’s long overdue! Dana and I want to host it at our place. Just bring your butts over here.
Ron from VA

Ron from VA

Hey Neal, I’d love to add a few surprise bottles ;) Nevertheless, lift a toast to VA’s finest and tell us who the winners are!

Maison Michael Shaps

Mercurey Chardonnay 2015

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

Shaps & Roucher-Sarrazin

Nuits Saint-Georges Pinot Noir 2006

Fancy dinner with Josh. Loved it!! The wine too ;) — 10 years ago

Hamlet Vineyards

Petit Verdot 2017

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

Pippin Hill Farm

Reserve Monticello Chardonnay 2017

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! — 6 years ago

David, Laura and 1 other liked this
David L

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I’ll check it out
David L

David L Influencer Badge Premium Badge

Let me know it you enjoy the 18 Reserve.

North Gate Vineyard

Chardonnay 2017

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!! — 8 years ago

Shenandoah Vineyards

Cabernet Franc 2010

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 :) — 9 years ago

The Barns at Hamilton Station

Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

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

Grace Estate Winery

Estate Grown Viognier 2013

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

Hamlet Vineyards

Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

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

Michael Shaps

Monticello Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Wet fruity and tangy — 7 years ago

The Barns at Hamilton Station

Malbec 2015

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!! — 8 years ago

Maison Michael Shaps

Les Chalandins Vosne-Romanée Pinot Noir 2006

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

Michael Shaps

Mountain View Vineyard Viognier 2015

C straw; N citrus, white peach; T lemon grapefruit up front, white peach on the end. — 9 years ago

Shaps & Roucher-Sarrazin

Les Chalandins Vosne-Romanée Pinot Noir 2005

Like massaging a leather couch stuffed with dried cherries and spice. For a decade. Barbaresco wouldn't be an awful call. — 10 years ago

Michael Shaps

Monticello Cabernet Franc 2013

Great wine. Had several over the weekend — 11 years ago