Want proof Burgundy can be good, authentic and NOT expensive? And that even Brunello di Montalcino, if never exactly "cheap," can still be a good value in addition to a terrific wine? Then come taste with us at CBC this Friday from 3-7pm and Saturday from noon-4pm. Free, delicious and enlightening!

The main thrust of the weekend's tastings is "Great Vintages." 

In Burgundy we focus on vintage 2025, a harvest that looked like it might be too hot and ripe but turned out to deliver delicious wines with plenty of "place" and great delicious fruit as well.

And Brunello 2021 went from scary - after serious frost damage in April - to stunning - as the finished wines began releasing earlier this year. It's up there with 2016 in quality, often called a combination of 2016/2019 in style, and winner of 99 point praise from Wine Spectator. 

Here’s the core line-up for both days we’ll use to show you how both vintages stack up:

Dom Billard Haut Cotes De Beaune Blanc La Justice 2025 – From vines above the Cote de Beaune farmed organically and plowed by horse, this is classic Burgundy Chardonnay with a deep core of rich orchard and citrus fruit, a whiff of hazelnut, and chalky/salty minerals on the finish.

Dom Billard Haut Cotes De Beaune Rouge 2025 – Here the vines are in Saint Aubin and bring some of that iron minerality and stoniness to ripe black cherry and mulberry fruit. Fine tannins, good volume, light on its feet, goodness here.

Castello del Romitorio Brunello di Montalcino 2021 – From a great vintage that balances ripeness with freshness and vivacity, this high-altitude Brunello is both powerful and silky. As Vinous says in the 95 point praise, “This young, radiant Brunello is sure to have many fans."

On Friday the core trio will be joined by:

Mary Taylor (Jean Marc Barthez) Bordeaux Blanc 2025 - light and mineral, with generous melon fruit flavors, and a hint of lime and tarragon.

Mamete Prevostini Botonero Nebbiolo Alpi Retiche 2023 – From the foothills of the Alps, shows a hint of endive, even white asparagus, complexity with Nebbiolo's strawberry fruit and rose petal fragrance.

And on Saturday, the supporting cast will be:

J Moreau Saint Bris l'Aubaine 2024 – From the one part of “Burgundy” – technically – where they grow Sauvignon Blanc instead of Chardonnay! Snappy, fresh, green-fruited and fun,.

Poggio Anima Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2024 - There’s a nice richness to the purple plum and berry fruit on the palate, further complemented by a bit of saline and licorice on the finish. A no-brainer value.

Come by both days. You’ll find two tasting tables with something for everyone to love. Including you!