Selim Zilkha, owner of Nadia and Laetitia Vineyards has a firm belief in protecting and preserving the gifts of nature. Hence both his labels carry the Sustainability-in-Practice (or SIP) Certification.  The process of meeting all the SIP Program’s standards may take extra time and effort, but the end result is top-quality fruit and the certainty that each of the winery’s vineyards will continue to produce it for years and years to come.

Nadia  2011 Sauvignon Blanc

Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Santa Barbara County

Price: 15-20

Review:

Aromas of melon, topical fruits, and lime rise up from a glass. Flavors of honey dew and mango mingle with suggestions of limeade and herbs on the palate.  A fairly round Sauvignon Blanc, with a welcoming acidity, if you enjoy slightly creamy whites, this is a bottle to try.

Rating: 89

Nadia  2010 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot

Region: Santa Barbara County

Price: 30-35

Review:

Aromatics of bramble fruit and cassis meld with notes of dark chocolate and sweet spice on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of blackberries and currants with accents of cocoa, clove, and pie crust.  An approachable Cab with supple tannins, fans of dark fruit and barrel spices will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 89

Nadia 2010 Grenache

Grape(s): 100% Grenache

Region: Santa Barbara County

Price: 25-30

Review:

A bouquet of red berries, apple butter, and all-spice rises up from a glass. Flavors of strawberry, red currants, and red apple meld with suggestions of tobacco, sweet spice, and minerals after a sip.  A very light wine, that’s quite smooth on the palate, fans of easy-going reds will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 88

Nadia 2010 White Blend

Grape(s): 45% Grenache Blanc, 39% Viognier, and 16% Roussanne

Region: Santa Barbara County

Price: 25-30

Review:

Aromas of tropical fruit, peach, almond paste, and white-blossoms rise up from a glass.  A sip reveals flavors of mango and peach along with a few floral and nutty suggestions.  A lush, fairly round white, if you mostly drink Chardonnay, this is a wine you could branch out with.

Rating: 90

 

Laetitia Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay

Grape(s):   Chardonnay

Region: Arroyo Grande Valley

Price:  15-20

Review

A bouquet of tropical fruit and creamy oak greets the senses. Flavors of pineapple, passion fruit, and toasty coconut and meld with notes of vanilla and citrus zest on the palate.  A supple, yet bright white, fans vanilla-Chardonnays with a welcoming acidity will enjoy this bottle. 9,000 cases produced.

Rating: 89

Laetitia Vineyards 2008 Brut Rose

Grape(s):   Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Region: Arroyo Grande Valley

Price:  25-30

Review

Aromatics of cherry and boysenberry mingle with a few nutty and floral suggestions of the nose.  A sip reveals flavors of red berries accented by notes of citrus fruit and minerals.  A clean, crisp sparkling wine that’s quite drinkable. 802 cases produced.

Rating: 88