2014 Template, Napa Valley
Publication
Wine Spectator
Author
Kim Marcus
Date
September 2017
Rating
92
Review
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.
Publication
Blue Lifestyle
Author
Anthony Dias Blue
Date
June 2017
Rating
92
Review
Spicy nose; smooth, rich and elegant with ripe plum and juicy acidity; fresh and long.
Publication
Vinous
Author
Antonio Galloni
Date
March 2017
Rating
91
Review
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.
Publication
Robert M. Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate
Author
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW
Date
March 2017
Rating
92+
Review
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.
Publication
Vinous
Author
Antonio Galloni
Date
February 12, 2016
Rating
91-94
Review
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.