I am always inspired by great new winery projects. It is my great pleasure to introduce you all to a new winery based in Walla Walla, Time & Direction, founded by Steve Wells. Steve has a great story in wine. He began learning about wine while waiting tables in New York City. Inspired by the world of wine Steve impressively passed both the Introductory and Certified Sommelier certifications through the the Court of Master Sommeliers within months of each other. Years later speaking with Ron Coleman of Tamarack Cellars, Steve learned about the Center for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College. He then made a leap of faith moving from the Big Apple to Walla Walla, WA and attended school. He then began working in the tasting room and cellar at Gramercy Cellars and learned about production and the wine business. After two productive years at Gramercy Steve then began working under eminent Washington winemaker, Aryn Morell, and helped in crafting 60 different wines for 6 different clients. Aryn allowed Steve to make his own wines at his production facility, and Time & Direction was born.
Steve sources from some exciting vineyards in Washington including the Solaksen Vineyard which is a new planting at the Lawrence Vineyards. He also sources his Roussanne, Viognier & Grenache from the Lawrence Vineyards, connecting there through Aryn Morell. His 2016 Time & Direction Syrah (WWB, 92) is co-fermented with 5% Viognier. The smoky and savory character in the wine is really outstanding. His new white wine, the 2017 Time & Direction ‘Fretboard’ White Wine (WWB, 91) shows beautiful bright acidity and wonderful range. These are serious new wines that will pair marvelously with food. Learn more bout Time & Direction at https://www.facebook.com/timeanddirectionwines/ Here are the exciting inaugural wines by Time & Direction.
2017 Time & Direction Rose- Sourced from Grenache vines, this pale colored Rose begins with aromas of guava, strawberry and rose petals. The palate is bright, showing mouth-watering acidity. This hard to resist Rose finishes clean with light red fruits, minerals and a touch of tangerine rind. An outstanding debut, enjoy this wonderful Rose over the next few years. Drink 2018-2022- 90
2017 Time & Direction ‘Fretboard’ White WIne- A blend of Roussanne and Viognier sourced from the Columbia Valley, this opens with a bouquet of lemongrass, Gravenstein apple and green papaya as the Roussanne seems to be particularly shining brightly on the nose. Bright, with lively acidity, this shows lighter tree fruit flavors with cantaloupe and kiwi mixed in. The citrus rind driven finish creates a lovely mouth-watering effect. Drink 2018-2022- 91
2016 Time & Direction ‘Solaksen Vineyard’ Syrah- Gobs of dark fruits and smoke dominate the nose, giving this a seductive opening. There is a great combination of weight and acidity on the mid-palate as the wine reveals a nice combination of red and dark fruits with smoked pork shoulder undertones. The citrus rind towards the back end completes this fantastic new release. Drink 2018-2026- 92