Strength with refinement defines the 2017 Praetorian as searing aromatics and flavors grapple with graceful tones to curate a wine of immense curiosity. Tempranillo based with an added dollop of Malbec and Grenache, the nose boasts notes of dried cherries, brown sugar, and vanilla bean. Anchoring the sweeter tones are earthy aromatics of graphite, bloody steak, and rhubarb with the added spice of black pepper and dried herbs. A silky and concentrated entry of holiday cranberry sauce and raspberry tart quickly evolves overtly into a cascade of drying and gritty tannin along with flavors of grapefruit, green tobacco, and gushing strawberries. Pair with a well-seared cut of red meat and a peak drinking window of 6-8 years, this puzzle box of flavors continues its tradition of layered flavors and complex textures.