Dense and rich, with an array of powerful violet, plum tart and dried berry falvors that are backed by lively acidity. Cedar and Asian spice notes linger on the savory finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2022.

Spicy nose; smooth, rich and elegant with ripe plum and juicy acidity; fresh and long.

The 2014 Template, a new Merlot-based wine from David Ramey, is supple, open-knit and delicious. Merlot gives the wine its juiciness, while the Cabernet Franc aromatics are nicely delineated through to the finish. I would prefer to drink the 2014 over the next handful of years. The Template is a bit more delicate than it was last year, so I am not at all surprised David Ramey bottled this wine a bit earlier than originally contemplated.

Template is a new wine/blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium garnet-purple in color, the 2014 Template is a little closed, revealing subtle notes of plums and crushed blueberries, cedar and toast plus a hint of baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, rich, soft and plummy on the palate, it has a good amount of depth and a long, spicy finish.

The 2014 Template is one of David Ramey's occasional one-offs. This Right Bank-inspired Merlot-based blend is dark, sumptuous and deeply expressive. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark raspberry jam, savory herbs, licorice and new leather, with lifted, floral overtones that develop later. Racy yet nuanced, the Template is another 2014 that is shaping up to have a bright future.