The 2008 Baigorri Crianza is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha and 5% “other varieties” raised in 80% French and 20% fine grain American oak (second fill). It has a well-defined bouquet. It is floral at first, exhibiting aromas of crushed violet intermingling with macerated dark cherries and creme de cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with a peppery opening, segueing into dark plum and dark chocolate flavors at its center. The finish is off dry with firm tannins, and it comes across as being masculine in style with firm grip. It cuts away just a little more abruptly than I would have liked, but another 12 to 24 months in bottle will help it soften. Drink 2014-2019. If Lopez de Heredia, steeped in history, cobwebs and black mold, lies at one end of the spectrum, the Bodegas Baigorri lies at the other. They represent the two sides of traditional and modern Rioja in 2012. Fortunately, they both make rather good wines. Although you cannot taste architecture, the multi-million euro winery of Baigorri cannot pass without mention, carved deep into the rocky hillside with panoramic views across Rioja Alavesa and its magnificent giant steps leading from its Zen-like glass entrance. However, it is first and foremost a functional design, its seven tiers over 24 meters allowing unimpeded winemaking by gravity. Indeed, that is just one facet of winemaking here, where clearly no expense is spared. Baigorri makes most Bordeaux chateaux look like run-down shacks and the winemaking is finely tuned. And I must confess that I feared this would be a vanity project, cosmetic winemaking with plenty of money but negligible soul. I found this not to be the case. While the winemaking is analyzed down to every last detail and the wines are comparatively expensive, there is patently a passionate winemaking at its concrete heart and the wines are delicious. Here, approximately 25% of the vinified crop is out-sourced under long-term contracts, with the vinification under the control of the winery.Importer: The Artisan Wine Company (US) and OW Loeb and Moreno Wines (UK)