Vega Escal covers 84 acres in the west end of Priorat, in and around the famed vineyard of Gratallops. The 2017 is a blend of equal parts merlot, garnacha and cabernet sauvignon, with small amounts of cariñena and syrah, aged in both French and American barrels. It showcases flavors of blue and black fruit rounded out with notes of fresh vanilla bean and toffee. It smells of wood, but in a pleasant way, with notes of fresh tree bark and whisky. Decant it to let it open up, and serve it with grilled meats