If you want an easy way to make a night feel a little more special, start with three vintages of REX HILL and pour them side by side. That’s a vertical tasting. It sounds technical, but it’s actually one of the most relaxed, rewarding ways to enjoy wine with other people.
Same wine, different years. That’s it. The differences do the talking.
What Makes a Vertical Tasting Interesting
When you taste the same wine across vintages, you start to notice how each growing season shows up in the glass. In Oregon, no two years are the same. Some bring more sun, some move slower, some stretch the season just enough to shift the balance. With REX HILL, those differences come through naturally. Nothing forced. Nothing overworked. Side by side, it becomes obvious. One might feel brighter, another deeper, another somewhere in between. You don’t have to go looking for it. It’s just there.
What You Actually Need
Keep this simple:
- Three vintages of the same REX HILL wine
- A few glasses per person, or just rinse between pours
- Water and something neutral like crackers or mild cheese
- A comfortable place to sit and spend some time
No need to overthink it. This works just as well on a weeknight as it does for a planned dinner.
How to Set It Up
Open all three bottles together and give them about 20 minutes to settle in. If you like to decant, go for it, but it’s not required.
Pour Side by Side
If you have the glassware, pour all three at once. When the wines are next to each other, you can go back and forth, notice shifts, second guess yourself, and then go back again. That’s where it gets interesting.
Keep Your Palate Clear
Have water on hand. Put out something simple to snack on. You don’t need a full spread. In fact, keeping it minimal helps you stay focused on what’s changing from glass to glass.
What to Pay Attention To
As you move between wines, notice how each vintage shows up a little differently:
- Fruit can lean fresh and red, or deeper and more layered
- Body might feel lighter one year, fuller the next
- Acidity can lift everything or sit more quietly in the background
- Tannins might feel soft and resolved or a bit more structured
You don’t need the perfect words for it. Just pay attention to what stands out to you.
Don’t Overcomplicate It
This isn’t a test. Some people will gravitate toward the youngest wine. Others will like the one that’s softened a bit with time. You’ll probably change your mind halfway through. That’s part of it.
Why It Works So Well with REX HILL
REX HILL wines are made with a light hand and a lot of respect for the vineyard. That shows up over time. Instead of tasting the same thing three times, you get three distinct expressions tied to different moments in the Willamette Valley. Same place, same intent, different conditions. It’s a simple way to get closer to the wine without needing a deep dive.
Build Your Own Vertical
All you need is three vintages of the same wine. Whether you’re opening them with dinner, sharing with friends, or just curious to see the difference for yourself, a vertical tasting gives you more out of each bottle. Explore REX HILL wines and put a few years side by side. Once you try it, it’s hard to go back to just opening one.