New Appellation, Healdsburg Plaza?!

Our most recent winery addition to Locals Tasting Room is Bedarra Vineyards.  The Bedarra Estate Vineyard is only a mile west of nearby Healdsburg's town center.  The epitome of a small artisan winery, fewer than 500 cases of wine are produced here in a year.

The Bedarra brand is inspired by the beauty and tranquility of the remote Bedarra Island, just off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, where proprietors Jeff and Brigid enjoyed their honeymoon in 2003.  Around their home, they grow glorious chardonnay wines, made from their single acre of 15-year old vines.  With the backdrop of tropical palm trees on one side and majestic mountains on the other, Bedarra Vineyards is as scenic as it is fruitful.

The island spirit is carried forth with their fun 2009 Beachfront ($18) wine.  A refreshing blend of Estate Chardonnay and Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc has been married in your glass.  A fun wine with a perfect balance of bright fruit, smooth texture and a crisp clean finish, those of you Nouveau Hicks who might remember the Portalupi Bianco should pay extra attention to this wine.  Like a bit of summer poured into your glass, the Beachfront showcases why this Italianate style of white grape blending is becoming more and more popular!

The 2007 Bedarra Chardonnay ($19) has an exquisite, creamy, custard-like mouthfeel, all while reflecting a well-balanced acidity throughout and a long & lingering finish.  Vibrant flavors of lemon, crushed pineapple and baked pear abound.  A super value on one of the nicest chardonnays made here in these parts.  The 2007 Bedarra Reserve Chardonnay ($29), even thicker and richer, has a refined elegance which might also enhance your appetite.  The flavors, less citrus and more créme brulee, are deeply integrated and interwoven.  A super match to creamy pasta dishes, chicken or seafood.