The Simpson Family Estate’s winemaking team was thrilled to take home the top prize and five other medals for Aurora Cellars wines at the 2021 TEXSOM International Wine Awards. The competition, which draws some of the top Sommeliers, wine writers, and national wine critics from around the world, is viewed as one of the most important and prestigious competitions in the wine industry.

The Aurora Cellars 2017 Cabernet Franc earned a Judge’s Selection merit, given to only 3% of the wines in the competition.  (The Judge’s selection awards were given to a total of 51 wines from around the world out of a total of 2,400 wines entered into the competition.)  In addition to the Judge’s Selection award, the 2017 Blaufrankisch and the 2020 Medium Sweet Gewurztraminer also received a gold medals (given to only 8% of the wine entries).

When asked for her notes on the Aurora Cellars 2017 Cabernet Franc, TEXSOM Retreat Writer and Wine Judge, Brandi Carter said, “This artisanal producer’s Cabernet Franc is a classic expression of the variety and reminds me of a farmer’s market in the best way.  This wine is very earthy, evoking mushrooms still covered in dirt, but that’s rounded out by generous black fruit, fresh cranberry, and coriander notes.  It is very bright and refreshing, beginning and finishing with piercing acidity supported by a soft, velvety grip.