Yesterday, the winners of the 2017 TEXSOM International Wine Awards were announced. The organization, founded in 1985 by journalist and wine expert Rebecca Murphy, and previously known as the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition, was purchased by TEXSOM in 2014. Now under the leadership of TEXSOM founders and Master Sommeliers James Tidwell and Drew Hendricks, it has grown to include over 3,500 wine entries from 29 countries and 19 different states in the US. The wines are judged by 71 wine writers, buyers, distributors, owners, and others within the wine industry from around the world. This year was the largest representation of wines and regions the competition has ever had. Texas Monthly, presenting sponsor for the competition, published the full list of the winners Monday, including the Judge’s Best selections, available here. TEXSOM will also have the complete list on their website shortly.
A few of the Judge’s Best caught my attention. For Pinot Noir, Texas natives Adam and Dianna Lee won with their Siduri 2015 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Adam, an Austin native, and Dianna, from Ennis, met while working in Dallas and dreamed of making great Pinot Noir in Sonoma.Twenty years ago their dream came true, and the duo has been making award winning wine since.
The best Rhône or Rhône-styled White Blend was awarded to Rancho Loma Vineyards for their 2016 RLV III Still White, Reddy Vineyards from the Texas High Plains AVA.
Brennan Vineyards in Commanche has much to celebrate as they were awarded best Texas red wine and white wine. Judges’ Selection Texas White went to the 2015 Brennan Roussanne Reddy Vineyard, Texas High Plains AVA. Judges’ Selection – Texas Red won 2014 Brennan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. I think this calls for a Texas toast!
