IZADI Rioja Crianza 2006 Producer Izadi is based in Villabuena in the Rioja Alavesa, the highest part of Rioja. The hillside winery (the precipitous slope allows for gravity assisted production) was founded in 1987 by Gonzalo Anton as a modern breakaway from the traditional style of wine produced by other members of his family. As his son Lalo Anton says: .the whole concept of Izadi really started around wanting to produce wine to satisfy the needs of our friends over a meal.. Izadi produce modern, international wines that are true to their roots and a natural expression of the area, which is unhindered by the sort of deviant flavours that are all too common in Rioja. Vineyards Izadi sources their fruit from 186 hectares of vineyard. All the vineyards are either owned or leased on long-term contracts, so they have full control over production. All the vineyards have traditionally trained bush vines, a method which they believe gives better exposure of the grapes, something which in turn leads to better ripeness and softer, fuller wines. The vineyards are situated at 600 metres above sea level so warm days give way to cool nights, encouraging the aromatic qualities in the grapes to develop. Vinification Grapes were destemmed and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, with .pumping over. several times daily to enhance the extraction of colour, aromas and flavour. The wine was then aged in 225L American oak barriques for 14 months. Tasting Notes The Crianza is impressive - intense youthful ruby in colour, with the vanilla oak perfumes well integrated with the juicy black fruit on the palate and fine, savoury tannins. Price: £148.20 (Including VAT at 20%)