Time & Direction ‘Fretboard’ Viognier
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Fretboard is sourced from the cool, high-elevation Corfu Crossing vineyard in the Royal Slope.
- The elevation is 1,675 feet, and the soil consists of Adkins very fine sandy loam and Taunton silt loam at a depth of 12 to 24 inches, overlying fractured basalt.
- The name is a nod to winemaker Steve Wells’s background as a bassist. The label itself features a striking visual of the fretboard from his personal 1997 Fender Jazz 5-string bass.
Varietal Composition: 100% Viognier
Elaboration: Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks. Unfiltered, unfined, and not cold-stabilized.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine, all stone fruit, apricot, nectarine, and white peach. Flavors of peach, some much acidity, river rocks, minerality, nectarine, sour patch peach rings.
PRESS
2021 – 93 Wine Enthusiast
2022 – 90 Wine Advocate | 91 James Suckling
2023 – 92 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Two essential components to any journey in life… Time & Direction. That’s the philosophy behind Time & Direction Wines in Walla Walla, Washington. The winery was founded in 2016 by Steve Wells who titled himself Director of Awesome. Steve’s story may not be typical of other winery owners but the path still leads to exceptional wine. Steve started in the restaurant business in New York City where he developed his appreciation for the complexities of fine wine.
He joined the Court of Master Sommeliers and studied until he felt ready to take the Introductory and Certified-level exams. Upon certification, he became a sommelier and beverage director for a large restaurant group. On a winetasting tour of Washington, he realized that this was where his future was. He convinced his wife to move across the country with their three small children and started working and learning at wineries while enrolling in the respected Center for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College.
Time & Direction became reality when Steve’s employer started allowing employees to create their own wine at the facility. Steve purchased some barrels, selected fruit from quality growers, and put his winemaking talent to work.