Baigorri 2010 Rioja Crianza

If you ever visit Rioja –and I suggest you do– you will see this winery while driving between Logroño (where you MUST go for tapas) and Laguardia (the most beautiful town in Northern Spain). Designed by the architect Iñaki Aspiaz, the winery is an imposing marvel on a hill beyond the highway.

I reviewed their 2005 Rioja Crianza many years ago, and much of what I said there still holds. This is a beautiful and modern Rioja that should be in your wine fridge.  Aromas of bay leaf and fresh violets give way to crushed rock and cherry cola on the nose. On the palate, the wine is lush and fruit-forward with red berry and vibrant cherry notes.  Balanced and powerful, this is a near-perfect example of the Crianza style.