Vertical wine tasting
A vertical is sampling of different vintages of the same wine from the same winery or vineyard. This experience offers a unique and educational opportunity to explore how a wine evolves over time. So what can it teach us? SO MANY THINGS!
Recently, I had the pleasure of conducting a vertical tasting of 4 vintages of a bordeaux style wine from Washington state. The vintages were 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022. The wines were very similar in the blends, however, some had to pivot on the percentages of the grapes from year to year to take into account weather as some years were warmer or cooler than others and therefore the characteristics of the grapes may not be optimal to get the particular style and flavor goals the vintner aims to achieve year over year. But this is actually one of the benefits of doing a vertical tasting; to observe how the fluctuations of weather conditions can manifest in the wine’s aroma, flavor profile, acidity and structure. Tasting the vintages side by side allows you to understand how these elements evolve and influence the final product.
Another benefit of a vertical tasting is to observe the aging potential. Wine evolves over time and tasting a year to year difference, or in my case a 5 year span, as the wine matures can give you insight on what to expect. When tasting a younger vintage you may notice the prominence of the tannins compared to an older vintage. The tannins start to soften and become rounded and smoother. You may notice the fruit profile changes from fresh to ripened and even how it develops more into dried fruit flavors over time. Or you may discover the wine loses some of its vibrancy as it ages and you discover you prefer to drink it in its youth.
Honing your tasting skills is another reason to try a vertical tasting. You’re more likely to pick up subtle differences that might go unnoticed in a horizontal tasting. This experience trains your palate to detect variations in acidity, tannin structure, fruit expression, and other key elements that make wine unique. Over time, as you participate in more vertical tastings, you’ll develop a heightened ability to discern the finer details of wine—something that can enhance your overall wine-tasting experience and make you a more knowledgeable wine drinker.
If you have the opportunity to procure several different vintages of the same wine made by the same wine maker, do it! Vertical tastings provide an extraordinary opportunity to deepen your understanding of wine, from the effect of vintage variation to the role of aging in creating complexity. Not only do they offer the chance to explore how a wine evolves, but they also allow you to appreciate the nuances of terroir, winemaking decisions, and the aging process. Whether you are an aspiring wine connoisseur or a seasoned collector, the benefits of vertical tasting are manifold and can add a rich dimension to your wine journey.