The 2004 Crianza is made from 100% Tempranillo aged for 12 months in new French oak. Purple-colored, it has an excellent aromatic array of pain grille, mineral, scorched earth, and wild blackberries. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine with a smooth texture, layers of ripe fruit, good balance, and complex flavors. It will evolve for 2-3 years but can be enjoyed now through 2015. Bodegas Baigorri is said to be one of the showplace wineries of Rioja, designed by Basque architect Inaki Aspiazu Iza. The Bodegas ferments its wines with native yeasts and uses only French oak. Importer: F.L. Navarro, Quality Wines of Spain, New York, NY; tel. (212) 842-8181

This supple red shows a silky texture, with fresh acidity, but charry oak and herbal notes overshadow the black cherry fruit. Drink now through 2009. 250 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

Big and baked, with aromas of cheese and leather offsetting sweet black fruit. Flavors of cola, blackberry and chocolate are as baked and sweet as the nose, and the feel is grabby and leaves a sugary residue on the finish. Wants to be a modern, ripe wine but proves to be simple and overdone. Imported by The Portfolio Group.——M.S.(10/1/2009)—— 84