Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
10,000 Hours is a brand deeply rooted in the belief that the key to producing exceptional wine lies in a steadfast commitment to quality and an unwavering passion for the process. The brand embraces the theory that true mastery of any craft requires at least 10,000 hours of dedicated practice. This principle resonates strongly with 10,000 Hours, as their team of experienced winemakers have spent decades refining their skills and perfecting their art.
Each bottle of wine produced by 10,000 Hours serves as a testament to the countless hours of labor, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail that they invest in their craft. Every step of the winemaking process from the careful selection of the finest grapes to the delicate aging process is executed with precision and care. The result is a collection of wines that are deep, structured, and infused with the distinct flavors that originate from the renowned Red Mountain terroir in eastern Washington. This region's unique land and climate contribute to flavor profiles that are unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
The team at 10,000 Hours takes immense pride in their ability to produce wines that not only deliver exquisite taste but also encapsulate the profound effort and devotion poured into each bottle. Whether one is a discerning wine connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates the pleasure of a fine glass of wine, they can trust that 10,000 Hours' wines are the culmination of decades of practice, patience, and unyielding persistence. The brand extends a warm invitation to all to personally experience the remarkable distinction of their wines and savor the fruits of their labor.
A coveted source of top quality red grapes among premier Washington producers, the Red Mountain AVA is actually the smallest appellation in the state. As its name might suggest, it is actually neither a mountain nor is it composed of red earth. Instead the appellation is an anticline of the Yakima fold belt, a series of geologic folds that define a number of viticultural regions in the surrounding area. It is on the eastern edge of Yakima Valley with slopes facing southwest towards the Yakima River, ideal for the ripening of grapes. The area’s springtime proliferation of cheatgrass, which has a reddish color, actually gives the area the name, "Red" Mountain.
Red Mountain produces some of the most mineral-driven, tannic and age-worthy red wines of Washington and there are a few reasons for this. It is just about the hottest appellation with normal growing season temperatures commonly reaching above 90F. The soil is particularly poor in nutrients and has a high pH, which results in significantly smaller berry sizes compared to varietal norms. The low juice to skin ratio in smaller berries combined with the strong, dry summer winds, leads to higher tannin levels in Red Mountain grapes.
The most common red grape varieties here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, among others. Limited white varieties are grown, namely Sauvignon blanc.
The reds of the area tend to express dark black and blue fruit, deep concentration, complex textures, high levels of tannins and as previously noted, have good aging capabilities.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.