I am always honored to the first wine critic to write about great new winery projects. Such was the case with Time & Direction, founded by the talented Steve Wells. Steve has an inspired story, and began his wine education 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 after chatting 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 wine 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 a host of great sites including the Lawrence Vineyards in the newly formed Royal Slope AVA. His smoky and earthy 2019 Time & Direction ‘Space Pants’ Mourvedre (OB, 91) shows brilliant freshness and refinement. Even better is a wine that is an homage to his parents, the gorgeous 2018 Time & Direction ‘Wellspring Reserve’ Syrah (OB, 93). This is a stunning Syrah that is beautifully viscous but has also great complexity and bright acidity. Learn more about Time & Direction at https://timeanddirectionwines.com Here are the great new wines by Time & Direction.
2018 Time & Direction ‘Diamond Cutter’ Syrah- The ‘Diamond Cutter’ Syrah was sourced from they Columbia Valley and has a touch of Mourvedre (5%) blended in. White pepper, tar and shades of bacon fat all build together aromatically. The palate is wonderfully fresh with good acidity. Layers of red cherry and smoked pork shoulder mingle with orange rind and green olives on this complex palate. Delicious now to savor, this beautiful wine has another eight to ten years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 92
2018 Time & Direction ‘Wellspring Reserve’ Syrah- The ‘Wellspring Reserve’ is a tribute to owner/winemaker Steve Wells’s parents, with his heartfelt gratitude written on the bottle. Smoked meats and blackberry compote with shades of tar and dark licorice all meld in the glass aromatically. The palate is fresh with a great sense of acidity, weight and mouthfeel. Layers of rich dark fruits collide with dark chocolate shavings, tar and coffee grounds on this dense palate. Delicious to enjoy in its youth, this great new bottling will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2019 Time & Direction ‘Space Pants’ Mourvedre- Sourced from the newly minted ‘Royal Slope AVA’ the ‘Space Pants’ shows off cracked black pepper encrusted bacon with huckleberry and orange rind tones that build in the glass. The palate is fresh with great acidity and pretty dark fruits that collide with minerals and smoky undertones. The finesse here is great as this is best enjoyed over the next six to eight years. Drink 2020-2028- 91