The first time I realized I loved older wine came with a jolt—a profound experience that felt almost personal, as though I had discovered something long hidden. I was at my father-in-law’s home in Carlsbad, California, holding a glass of 1995 Château Cheval Blanc, a rare and prestigious red wine from Saint-Émilion. At the time, the wine was 15 years old, and I had never tasted anything like it. The complexity and depth of flavor left me speechless, and this moment became a defining chapter in my ongoing exploration of older wines.
The notion of what constitutes an “older wine” is not so simple. Several factors contribute to a wine’s aging potential, including the grape variety, region of production, and winemaking methods. For red wines, varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec generally have the greatest aging potential. These wines typically improve with age, developing complex flavors and aromas over time. White wines, such as Chardonnay, Riesling, and Chenin Blanc, can also age beautifully, especially if they are aged in oak, which provides a richer structure. Proper storage conditions are key to preserving the aging qualities of these wines, and they must be kept in a cool, dark environment to retain their value.
As wine ages, its flavors and aromas evolve dramatically. For red wines, this process usually begins around ten years of age. The youthful, fruity notes begin to fade, and in their place emerge savory characteristics such as tobacco, leather, and earthy spices. These wines start to take on a more complex structure, with umami flavors like truffle and iron appearing. White wines experience a different but equally fascinating transformation. Initially bright with citrus and fruit, aged whites can become caramelized and nutty, with floral and sweet spice aromas transitioning to dried, savory notes. These changes make aged wines intriguing and a delight for anyone exploring their complexities.
When it comes to opening older wines, temperature and careful handling are crucial. For red wines, it is recommended to serve them at about 56°F, while white wines should be served cooler. Before opening a bottle, it’s beneficial to stand it upright for several hours, allowing any sediment to settle. The cork can be fragile, especially in older bottles, so it’s important to use a gentle corkscrew to avoid damaging it. An Ah-So corkscrew is a preferred tool by many professionals because it is designed to extract older corks without breaking them. However, a simple plastic corkscrew can work well too if handled with care.

Decanting Older Wines: To Decant or Not to Decant?
Decanting older wines is a matter of debate. Many wine professionals believe that decanting is unnecessary for most older wines unless there is noticeable sediment in the bottle. Over-decanting can hasten the decline of a delicate wine, causing it to lose its nuanced character. Experts often suggest letting the wine breathe naturally, exposing it to oxygen gently without the aggressive process of decanting. However, if the wine is tight and not expressive, decanting can help by allowing it to open up. The key is assessing whether the wine is already showing signs of complexity or if it needs a little extra air to reveal its full potential.
The type of glass you use to drink older wines can significantly affect the tasting experience. In a memorable tasting at Beaulieu Vineyards, I had the opportunity to sample older Georges de Latour wines from different glasses. I learned how glass shape can dramatically impact the wine’s aromatics. Glasses with deep bowls that narrow at the top allow the aromas to be concentrated and drawn to the nose, enhancing the overall experience. In contrast, shallow glasses with wide openings dispersed the aromas, making the wine seem flat. The right glass can serve as both a vessel for sipping and a tool for releasing the wine’s complex scents, improving the overall tasting experience.
Drinking an older wine is like opening a time capsule. With each sip, you are transported to the time and place where the wine was made, experiencing the nuances of the environment, the growing conditions, and the winemaking style of that era. Aged wines are time capsules of flavor, offering a sensory experience that’s both historical and emotional. The 1965 Georges de Latour I tasted carried rich, earthy aromas like cured meats and smoke, evoking a sense of the Napa Valley of the 1960s. Each bottle, as it ages, encapsulates the essence of another time—whether it’s the dust of 1976 Napa Valley or the subtle minerality of a wine from an older vintage.

Sharing Memories and Conversations While Tasting Aged Wines
Drinking an aged wine is often an occasion to share stories. It’s more than just tasting; it’s about recounting the memories associated with the bottle. Each wine brings its own story—where it was acquired, the special moments surrounding its purchase, or how it came to be in your collection. These conversations become part of the experience, turning the act of drinking wine into something deeply personal. As you sip and reflect on the wine, you also reflect on the people and places that have made the wine special to you. Sharing these memories adds depth to the experience, turning every sip into an exploration of time, place, and personal history.
If you’re looking to buy rare, aged wines, there are many avenues to explore. Wine auction houses like Zachys and Acker offer opportunities to bid on vintage bottles, often accompanied by detailed provenance reports. Online marketplaces such as WineBid and Benchmark Wine Group provide a platform to purchase older wines that have been inspected for authenticity and quality. It’s essential to verify the provenance of older wines before buying, as improper storage can lead to deterioration. Some wineries also maintain libraries of older vintages, offering them for sale directly to consumers. These options provide access to a wide range of rare, aged wines for those interested in adding them to their collection.
The experience of enjoying an older wine goes beyond just tasting—it’s about savoring the passage of time. Each bottle tells a story, offering not only complex flavors but also a sense of the history behind it. That 1995 Château Cheval Blanc that first opened my eyes to the world of aged wines remains a powerful memory. The pleasure of tasting a wine from a bygone era is a profound experience, one that I continue to cherish. If I could go back to that first moment with my father-in-law, I would thank him for introducing me to a world where wine, time, and memories intertwine in the most delightful way. The journey through aged wines continues to be a celebration of life’s fleeting moments, enjoyed sip by sip.