During an industry tour of Washington AVAs in 2008, New York sommelier Steve Wells got bit by the winemaking bug. “I think the ah-ha! moment came while tasting Grenache Blanc grapes in the middle of Boushey Vineyards at sunset and drinking a glass of McCrea Cellars Sirocco Blanc made from those grapes,” recalls Steve.
In 2011, he convinced his wife to ditch the East Coast in pursuit of a new lifestyle in Washington. He landed without a job but accepted an invitation from master sommelier Greg Harrington to work at the renowned Gramercy Cellars.
After two-and-a-half fantastic years at Gramercy, he enrolled in enology courses and simultaneously started working with Aryn Morell at M&L Production, a custom crush facility. Then in 2016, a new employee benefit program allowed Steve to make his own wine at M&L. “It was exactly what I needed to take my knowledge of winemaking to the next level,” he admits.
The tasting room is filled with references from Steve’s childhood: comic books, video games, pop culture and classic tabletop arcade games. It’s a blend of a whole lot of fun with Rhône style wines filled with thoughtful energy that beg to be tasted over and over.
Visit the tasting room at 4 N. Spokane Street in Walla Walla. Check the website for hours at www.timeanddirectionwines.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Time & Direction 2017 “Bruce’s Island” Solaksen Vineyard Reserve Syrah, $65
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding, 91 pts.
Ample power and vigor drive the macerated blackberry, dark raspberry and violet flavors that feature saline minerality, black tea and savory bits of tar and spice. Muscular and well structured, with determined focus lasting through the finish.
Time & Direction 2017 “Old School” Syrah, $40
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding, 91 pts.
Airy in texture, embedded with earthen edges of vine leaf, granite, chalk and steeped tea that fuse with fruity layers of dark berries, plum, cherry blossom and vanilla hints. The finish is framed with lively acidity.
Time & Direction 2018 “UpUpDownDownLeftRightLeftRightBASelectStart” Rosé of Grenache, $22
Editor’s Choice – Excellent, 90 pts.
Flaunting pretty flavors of red berries, white cherry, orange and lime zest, the minerally-driven structure holds excellent appeal, built with balanced acidity that carries the tension forward with grace.