Nadia is the sister label to better-known Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, of the Arroyo Grande Valley. Blackberries, black cherry, tobacco leaf and mint show the different components on the nose. On the palate, blackberry and tobacco leaf are dominant, mint secondary, adding chocolate on the mid-palate. Very young, very raw, and a bit green, this needs cellar time or an overnight in the decanter to let these components start to work together. 2011 was a cool year, with a spring frost and late harvest that were kind to Santa Barbara Chardonnay, but less so to the Bordeaux varietals. This solid effort in a hard year makes me want to come back next year to see how Laetitia’s Nadia team does in a kinder harvest. Drink with pepper steak. Recommended. 86.
WHO: Nadia
WHAT: Cabernet Sauvignon (92%), Cabernet Franc (6%), Merlot (2%)
VINEYARD: Santa Barbara Highlands Wineyard
WHERE: California, Santa Barbara County
WHEN: 2011
HOW MUCH: $28