Let's talk about the two games which actually put BW on the map!
Baldur's Gate I was pretty well received, but it was BG II - and perhaps most especially David Warner's impeccable performance as Jon Irenicus - that catapulted them into the forefront of PC gaming. It still makes the top ranks of "Best CRPG Ever" and even "Best Game Ever" lists.
Discuss these two games here. And heck, Icewind Dale as well!