Landry Vineyards *

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jun 16, 2012

Favorite Wine: Blackberry Merlot

There is potential with this winery. I do agree with the Norton Travelers about their light Norton, however one does not need to feel the need to make a "fruit bomb" out of that grape all the time. It's too acidic for my taste however, and fixing that would improve the over all taste. The bottle I have said that the Norton was aged four months, and I think longer aging and perhaps a malo ferment would correct that. I thought their Blanc du Bois would be better, but it's just there with not too much to entertain the palate. Their fruit wines, however, are made from local fruit and are much better. I give them a thumbs up for working with the local grapes, Lenoir, Norton and Blanc, and expect their product to get better with time. Jeff is a nice person to talk with and gladly shares what he has learned in the business.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Feb 16, 2012

Norton Wine Review: Eight wines are currently being offered from this relatively new nine-acre vineyard. Though this winery has been very adventuresome in experimenting with several of the newly offered Norton crosses (Norton x Zinfandel / Cabernet Sauvignon), to date only three grapes are being expanded at this setting, ~ a Blanc Du Bois grape from the University of Florida, the Norton grape and the Lenoir “Black Spanish” grape. The dry Blanc Du Bois had a light distinctive taste with pineapple overtones, much like some traminette wines which can be found elsewhere. Landry Vineyards’ Envie Rouge was most unique in its blend using 70% Norton and 30% Black Spanish grapes. I’m glad I caught this vintage since Jeff Landry let us know that his next release will most probably be a 50/50 example of these grapes. Jeff was quite adamant that Deep South Norton wines all tend to have a ‘blush’ color tendency. He gave Arkansas examples of the same which we did not experience when tasting five out of Arkansas’ six Norton produced wines. I just wished that the tasting examples at this winery, which were free, had been a bit more generous to have had the ability to fully taste what one could possibly purchase. A nice setting with regularly scheduled country music concerts is already bringing many to this out of the way venue.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jun 11, 2011

Favorite Wine: 2009 Envie Rouge

What a treat to have such a nice winery in North Louisiana! The dry reds, including one made with Norton, Envie Rouge, are supple and full of character. Landry makes a blueberry merlot that tastes like pie but is also quite dry. This is a great place to spend an afternoon, have good wine, look out over the vines. Landry makes sweet wines, as well.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jan 05, 2010

Favorite Wine: red wine