Growing Conditions

2014 was another classic vintage, despite the third consecutive year of drought. A
mild winter and spring triggered early bud break, while much-needed late spring rain
alleviated water stress on the vines through summer. Summer temperatures were
warm and steady, balanced by particularly cool mornings, which permitted even fruit
development. Cooler weather in August further lengthened hang time, resulting in
perfectly matured fruit with moderate sugar levels.

Napa Valley soils are comprised of broken down or decomposed rock that has been
carried downhill from the eastern Vaca range and the western Mayacamas range to
the base of the valley, where they intermingle with the silt, clay and gravel deposits of
the Napa River flood plain. Mount Veeder is atypical for a Napa mountain
appellation; its soils are derived from ancient sea bed rather than volcanic matter, with
clay and gravel loams predominant.

This vintage’s blend sourcing is 70% Mt. Veeder, 24% Oakville and 6% Rutherford.

Harvest

September 5th, 15th and 23rd

Bottling

The wine was then lightly fined with egg whites and bottled without filtration
in July, 2016.

Winemaking

Spontaneous, native yeast and native malolactic fermentations

Aging

Our 2014 Template rested on its lees for 18 months in new French oak barrels
(Taransaud) with bi-monthly bâtonnage to coat the tannins and smoothly integrate the
wood.