HALLUCINATORY NAMEDROPPING (THERE’S A NEW WINERY IN MY BACKYARD)

Every now and then, we get a cold call from one of the new local wineries, and this past week it was Greg Karsner from Horseshoe Bend Winery in Willisburg, Kentucky.

Horseshoe Bend Golden Sun White NV. Grade=Outstanding. This blend of Vidal Blanc and Riesling is slightly sweet up front with notes of golden raisins, peaches and honeysuckle, finishing slightly dry with mineral and Rainer cherries.

Horseshoe Bend Norton T-Rex Stole My Boxers NV. Grade=Outstanding. Norton (or also called Cynthiana) is notorious for being both really barnyard-y and very expensive. However, here you get a medium-bodied, supple red berry fruit-driven red with a bit of baking spice, mineral and cigar box. Nice.

Horseshoe Bend Chambourcin Caught Without My Pistolo NV. Grade=Outstanding. Slightly spicy with cinnamon stick, red raspberry, mulberry and earth notes. Soft on the palate but very juicy. Finishes with a blast of raspberry and strawberry jam.

Horseshoe Bend Cabernet Sauvignon Napoleon’s Graffiti NV. Grade=Average. This is a pretty thin Cab, with light black cherry and anise character, finishing with wet stone and muddy peat notes. Not great, but there is too much competition at this price point to stand out.

Horseshoe Bend Cabernet Franc Me And My Samurai NV. Grade=Average. Had high hopes here, but this is once again very pedestrian with weak red and black fruits and not much else. They should forego the Bordeaux varietals and stick with the local vinifera.