Reviews & Ratings
2023 Michael Shaps Cabernet Franc
Winery: Michael Shaps
Vintage: 2023
Wine Name/Vineyard:
Wine Category: Cabernet Franc
Grape blend: 100% Cabernet Franc
Bottle size: 750 ml
Region: Monticello
State or country: VA
Price: $40
Cases produced: 597
KWG Score: 93 (based on 1 review)
Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)
Review date: May 15, 2026
Wine Review: This clear and dark ruby colored Cabernet Franc from Michael Shaps opens with a marionberry and smoked meats bouquet with hints of violets, graphite, and leather. On the palate, this wine is medium plus bodied with medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and seamless. The flavor profile is a stewed black plum, blackberry, and graphite blend with notes of tobacco and black tea. We also detected hints of black licorice and black pepper. The finish is dry. It flavors, acidity, and initially grippy tannins stick around for quite some time. The tannins do round out nicely with some aeration. So, we would recommend decanting this Cabernet Franc for a bit before serving it with burnt ends. Enjoy – KWGTP
Winemaker Notes: Cabernet Franc has been one of Michael's favorite varieties to make because of its unique expression and style that represents the variety and Virginia well. Cabernet Franc is resistant to Virginia’s humid conditions and ripens well on the deep clay soils. This vintage, we decided to showcase the variety with a 100% varietal wine. Fresh dark cherry, eucalyptus and plum notes are nuanced with a hunt of graphite. The palate has depth of dark red fruits with nicely integrated oak and moderate, but balanced tannins. Still young with much time to improve. Drink now but can age 7-10 years.
