Rex Hill

Rex Hill is a winery estate located in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, established by Paul Hart and Jan Jacobson as part of the region's second wave of quality-focused producers. The name references both the proprietor and the distinctive red volcanic hills surrounding the vineyard. Founded during an era when Oregon wine was largely dismissed by the American establishment, Rex Hill became an early advocate for cool-climate viticulture and Burgundian-style winemaking in the Pacific Northwest.

• Name combines 'Rex' (proprietor reference) and 'Hill' (geographic location in Red Hills of Dundee)
• Established 1982 during Oregon's pre-phylloxera expansion period
• Original focus was exclusively Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
• Family ownership remains central to operational philosophy

Rex Hill's significance extends beyond commercial success—the winery demonstrated that consistent, age-worthy Pinot Noir production was viable in Oregon's Willamette Valley when most American sommeliers viewed California Cabernet as the only serious option. By maintaining uncompromising quality standards and refusing to chase market trends toward ripeness-driven wines, Rex Hill helped validate Oregon's claim to Burgundy-like elegance and structure. The winery's early adoption of sustainable viticulture practices and emphasis on specific terroir expression influenced an entire generation of subsequent Oregon producers.

• Early validator of Willamette Valley terroir potential during skeptical 1980s-1990s
• Pioneered site-specific single-vineyard bottlings in Oregon
• Established standards for cool-climate ripeness and acidity balance
• Influenced transition toward sustainable/organic practices in region

Rex Hill's house style emphasizes mid-palate weight, integrated acidity, and structural elegance rather than fruit-forward jaminess. The Maresh Red Hills Vineyard—named after the family who originally farmed the site—produces wines with distinctive mineral salinity from volcanic soils, while A Block designates showcase concentration and complexity from older vine material. Chardonnays receive selective oak aging (typically 40-50% new French oak) to maintain terroir clarity while achieving subtle complexity.

• Maresh Red Hills bottlings feature volcanic minerality and spice-forward characteristics
• A Block Pinot Noirs emphasize structure, tannin integration, and 10+ year aging potential
• Winemaking philosophy prioritizes native fermentation and minimal intervention
• Typical alcohol ranges 13.5-14.5% ABV for Pinot Noir, lower than Oregon averages

Rex Hill bottles are immediately recognizable by their distinctive label featuring a stylized hill formation and consistent house aesthetic across three decades. The capsule utilizes deep red wax, and most bottlings clearly designate their specific vineyard source and vintage on the front label. Organoleptically, look for the characteristic bright cherry and wild strawberry fruit profile balanced by noticeable acidity, fine-grained tannins, and subtle spice notes that distinguish them from riper-styled Oregon producers.

• Distinctive red-wax capsule with embossed Rex Hill logo
• Label format clearly identifies vineyard source (Maresh, A Block, etc.) and appellation
• Alcohol typically 1-2% lower than peer Oregon producers
• Cork pull reveals consistent winery branding on capsule interior

The Rex Hill Maresh Red Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir (all recent vintages) represents the flagship expression, with the 1985 and 1990 vintages achieving legendary status among Oregon wine collectors. The A Block designate Pinot Noir commands premium pricing and demonstrates Burgundy-comparable aging curves—2010 and 2012 vintages remain actively traded on secondary markets. Rex Hill Chardonnays, particularly older vintages from the 1990s, have proven remarkably age-worthy with graceful oxidative evolution.

• 1985 Pinot Noir: Seminal vintage, current market value $150-250 per bottle
• Maresh Red Hills (current vintage): Standard-bearer for Dundee Hills terroir expression
• A Block bottlings from 2010-2015 vintages: Proven 15-20 year aging trajectory
• 1994-1998 Chardonnays demonstrate tertiary complexity and food-wine harmony

The Red Hills of Dundee sub-appellation where Rex Hill's primary vineyards are located features distinctive volcanic soils (Jory and Nekia series) with natural drainage and mineral-rich composition that imparts salinity and structure to finished wines. The winery manages over 200 acres across multiple Willamette Valley locations, employing organic and sustainable practices including cover cropping, integrated pest management, and selective harvesting. Elevation variations (300-600 feet) allow for diverse stylistic expressions while maintaining the cool-climate purity that defines Rex Hill's philosophy.

• Volcanic Jory soils provide distinctive mineral backbone and natural acidity
• Organic certification achieved across primary estate vineyard holdings
• Elevation variation enables harvest timing optimization and ripeness management
• Maresh family partnership ensures historical continuity and terroir stewardship