Michael Shaps
Michael Shaps produces wines in Virginia's Central Region that have drawn attention from Decanter and Wine Advocate. The winery's Meritage—a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot—anchors the portfolio, joined by a Tannat and a Viognier. Virginia's continental climate and varied terroirs support both Bordeaux-style reds and white varietals with character. The Meritage shows the structure and depth typical of well-balanced Cabernet-led blends, while the Tannat, a grape more commonly associated with South America, offers an alternative expression of dark fruit and tannin. The Viognier, aromatic and textured, represents the white side of the range. These wines reflect the winery's focus on serious varietal work in a region increasingly recognized for quality production.
Critics
Decanter, Wine Advocate