White

Chardonnay
•    2008     Michael Shaps Chardonnay
  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.
•    2008     Wineworks Chardonnay
  A blend of 50% stainless steel fermented and aged Chardonnay and 50% neutral oak fermented and aged Chardonnay. A clean, crisp and bright style of Chardonnay, with pleasing acidity and apple notes. This is an easy drinking wine that can be nicely paired with a wide range of foods and occasions.
•    2009     Wineworks 3L Box Chardonnay
  Virginia's first wine in a box! Our Wineworks Chardonnay is made with grapes from several vineyards sites in the Charlottesville area. The wine is a blend of 50% stainless steel fermented and 50% oak fermented Chardonnay. A clean, crisp and bright style of Chardonnay, with a hint of toasted oak and pleasing citrus and apple notes. An approachable, softer style of Chardonnay, this is an easy drinking wine that can be paired nicely with a range of foods and occasions. We recommend this wine with a variety if seafood and poultry dishes, or just as an aperitif wine with some fine cheese and bread.

Viognier
•    2010     Wineworks 3L Box Viognier
  Similar to our 2009 Viognier in the the bottle, this is an "easy drinking" white wine. Perfect for hot summer evenings with notes of peach and apricot and crisp acidity. This wine is a crowd-pleaser, and the convenient and economical box packaging makes entertaining with Virginia wines easier than ever.
•    2008     Michael Shaps Viognier
  The latest release is from the fantastic 2008 vintage. Our style of Viognier has not changed. Harvested at 23 brix to retain brightness and balance, the wine was soaked overnight on the skins prior to pressing and fermentation. We believe in producing a Viognier that has aromatic intensity as well as texture and palate structure. As in previous vintages that have won national acclaim, this wine expresses classic peach, apricot, and floral notes. The mouthfeel is layered with citrus, anise and has great length. This is a dry Viognier with crisp flavors that pair with most shellfish and seafood.
•    2009     Wineworks White
  A bright floral and citrusy blend of two very compatible grape varieties. Made in stainless steel tanks to highlight the fruit character, this wine has all the elements of a spring and summer quaffer. The aromatic intensity is very inviting; the palate is dry and crisp with enough acidity to match up to many food pairings.


White Wine Blend
•    2010     Harris Creek White
  With 2.3% natural residual sugar, this unique blend was made possible by the extremely hot and dry conditions we faced in 2010. The Viognier, Gewurtztraminer and Petit Manseng all were late harvest wines that exceeded normal maturity levels and produced naturally sweet wines. The Riesling and the Traminette are dry, crisp wines that we blended in to balance out the wine and to make it more food friendly. Floral notes and aromatics of apricot and spice compliment the rich, and concentrated palate. Pear, melon, and golden raisins, round out a long finish. The wine pairs well with rich seafood and asian-themed dishes.

Red

Cabernet Franc
•    2008     Michael Shaps Cabernet Franc
  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 an extended maceration for six weeks. This Cabernet Franc has rich dark fruit aromas and a hint of spice. 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.
•    2009     Wineworks 3 L Box
  Virginia's first wine in a box. Our environmentally friendly wine offers lovely Cabernet Franc fruit that is delicious and ready to drink. Our Wineworks Cabernet Franc highlights the bright fruit and soft structure that is associated with this old world varietal. The deep purple color matches up with the aromas of dark blackberry and currants. A slight hint of French oak offers complexity. The flavors are rich with concentrated berries and a hint of vanilla and oak. This Cabernet Franc was made in a softer more approachable style for everyday meals and occasions. A perfect match for steaks, chops or even a good hamburger

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Meritage Blends
•    2007     Michael Shaps Meritage 2007
  The greatness of the 2007 vintage is highlighted by this proprietary blend of the best barrels in the cellar. Aged for two years in 50% new French oak, Michael feels that this is one of the best wines he has ever produced. The overall weight and complexity are balanced by the integration of the very concentrated fruit. Heavily extracted with bold tannins, this wine is crafted to replicate some of the classic blends from Bordeaux.
•    2008     Michael Shaps Meritage 2008
  Aromas of dark cherry, integrated with hints of toast, tobacco and prune. An elegant style, but with plenty of structure to help it age, this Meritage has a rustic tannin profile that is backed by dark fruits including currants and cherry notes. A moderate touch of oak is balanced by the bright acidity, this wine finishes with a soft subtle touch. With two years in French oak and 50% of that new oak, this wine is approachable, but will develop over the next five to ten years.

Merlot
•    2008     Michael Shaps Merlot
  Aged for 22 months in oak prior to bottling, this wine shows the true expression of what the Merlot grape can offer when produced in a more classic style. The extended maceration aided in integrating the tannins and through a careful selection of 50% new French oak, the wine has been aging gracefully in our cellars. The jammy flavors are complimented by the soft oak, and are wrapped tightly by the firm but mature tannins. Very similar stylistically to the 2002 vintage which received high accolades from British wine writer Tom Stephenson.

Petit Verdot
•    2009     Michael Shaps Petit Verdot
  Becoming one of Virginia’s rising stars, Petit Verdot is well suited for the Virginia climate and soil. A small lot production of a very dark aromatic red, this wine has wonderful spice and floral notes. The color is reflective of the concentration of flavors. Having been in French oak for eighteen months, the wine is rich, with bold tannins, a lot of structure and depth. This is a young wine that has great aging potential.

Red Wine Blend
•    2009     Wineworks Red
  60% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon Made in a softer more approachable style,this is a wine that expresses the fresh red fruits that are associated with these classic Bordeaux varietals. The Wineworks Red blend was fermented on the skins for just 10 days to extract great color, but not any aggressive tannins. Aged in stainless steel and older oak barrels, this wine is soft with bold fruit notes and good length. Our philosophy is to make a red wine that will pair nicely with everyday meals, while still maintaining varietal character and nuance.