It was a joy being the first wine critic to write about the Time & Direction wines, which was founded several years back by the talented Steve Wells. Steve has a great story in wine, 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 made a huge move by coming from New York City to Walla Walla to attend the wine study program. He worked 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.
Wells crafts his wines from a range of sites including some great Royal Slope Vineyards. He has been making a world-class Rose wine for several years now. I love the 2022 Time & Direction ‘Thunderstone Vineyard’ Rose (OB, 92) which is made from Grenache grapes and comes off highly nuanced with a soft texture.Learn more about Time & Direction at https://timeanddirectionwines.com Here are the great new wines by Time & Direction.
2022 Time & Direction ‘Fretboard’ Viognier- The 2020 ‘Fretboard’ comes form the Corfu Crossing Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. It is very difficult to put down once opened with its ripe green melon, kiwi, and starfruit tones on the palate, with a smooth texture and bright acidity. Enjoy now while the beautiful tension remains intact. Drink 2023-2028- 92
2022 Time & Direction ‘Thunderstone Vineyard’ Rose- Coming from the Royal Slope AVA, this 100% Grenache Rose offers a beautiful light pink hue in the glass. The sense of texture here is really beautiful, as very pure red fruits combine with white rose water and shades of orange rind on the palate. Drink 2023-2029- 92
2022 Time & Direction ‘121 Gigawatts’ White Wine- This outstanding blend comes from the Les Collines Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. This displays a lovely astringency and smooth texture once on the mouth. Pink grapefruit flavors alongside white peach and shades of green apple all combine on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 92