Jun 25th 2025
Aged Wines 101: How to Choose, Store, and Savor Library Bottles
You uncork a bottle of wine that has been resting for 20, 30, even 50 years, and as the cork pops, you aren’t just opening a “drink,” you are opening a time capsule. Aged wine is a sensory experience with history.
That said, let’s dispel a common myth. Not all wines age magnificently. In fact, only a small percentage is designed to age at all. These are collectible and special wines known as "library wines" that represent the highest quality of winemaking and the furthest depth offered by wines. No younger wines can match the quality and complexity of these wines!
In this guide, we'll take a look at aged wines - what makes them unique, how to choose and store them, and how to taste them, the lasting liquid legacy.
What Happens to Wine as It Ages? The Science of Maturation
Aging wine creates some very amazing chemical and sensory alterations. The tannins (the astringency of wine), with time, will mellow, which will lessen any astringency, making it "smoother". Acidity diminishes, and all the more subtle flavors get to come out. The bright fruit of young wine will evolve to complex aromas such as leather, tobacco, and dried fruits. Then, visually red wines evolve from darker ruby hues, through brick or tawny, while whites may evolve to a deeper, richer gold.
There are varietals better known for aging potential:
- Bordeaux blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot offer a rich complexity and multiple layers as they age
- Barolo is made from Nebbiolo grapes and is one of the longest-lasting red wines made in Italy.
- Aging Rieslings are some of the coolest wines of all, especially those from Germany's Mosel, which can last for decades.
- Brunello di Montalcino is known for being made from Sangiovese grapes and is aged beautifully in Tuscany, and offers a rich, earthy component.
At Woodland Hills Wine Company (WHWC), we are pleased to provide a selection of library wines that have been completely cellared for aging potential. Our inventory includes great examples of the varietals above and others, so you have an opportunity to explore submersive, deeply aged wine.
How to Choose the Right Aged Wine for Your Taste or Occasion
Choosing an aged wine may seem overwhelming, but there are a few points to consider to help you locate the perfect bottle for the occasion.
- Grape Variety and Region: Various grapes and regions impart distinct aging characteristics. For example, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will age differently than a Burgundy Pinot Noir - so your understanding of these nuances justifies your selection of the very nice bottle of Pinot Noir.
- Vintage: Grapes that were harvested in certain years may be easier to age than others. You can reference vintage charts or ask experts to get a feel for which years are more suitable for aging wine.
- Occasion: Are you celebrating a milestone, or are you just looking for a night of reflection? Gifts are a special consideration, birth-year wines can be nice, or years that meant something to you! For personal enjoyment, once you know the flavour you like and how complex you would like a wine, it will be easier to select.
With WHWC's extensive selection of aged wines for all types of tastes and occasions, you can choose between a gnarly Napa Cabernet or a beautifully aged Burgundy - we have wines for all tastes and tastes.
De Montille Bourgogne Blanc Clos du Château 2022
Chardonnay from Burgundy, France
Moët & Chandon Brut Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon Luminous 2013
Vintage Sparkling Wine from Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
Storing Aged Wines Properly at Home (Even Without a Cellar)
Correct storage is important for the preservation of aging wine. Here’s a guide to storing wine the right way:
- Temperature: You need to maintain an even temperature between 45°F and 65°F, usually 55°F is considered optimal. Rapid temperature fluctuation could increase the rate the wine ages or may spoil the wine.
- Humidity: You want humidity between 60 to 70% to keep the corks moist, so air does not get in to oxidize the wine.
- Light: You want to store your wine in a dark place. Ultraviolet rays, or UV rays, can wreck wine, or age a wine quicker than it should.
- Orientation: Keep bottles out in their original horizontal position to keep the cork in contact wine, allowing the cork to seal the bottle.
- Stability: Reduce vibrations that could agitate sediment in aged wines and disrupt the complex aging process.
You can also use items like wine refrigerators or just a cool, dark closet to store aged wines without a wine cellar.
How to Serve Aged Wine to Bring Out Its Best
To appreciate evolving wine, serving requires some craft.
- Decanting: Older wines often leave sediment behind. Decanting serves a few purposes: separating it from the sediment, with the opportunity for the wine to breathe and develop aromas and flavors. Just be careful not to over-decant older wine, since it can lessen those delicate flavors.
- Glassware: Proper glassware concentrates the wine's bouquet. For red wines, use glasses with a larger bowl; for white wines, use glasses with a narrower bowl.
- Serving Temperature: Red wines are served at a temperature slightly above room temperature, at approx. 60-65 °F, while white wines should be chilled at approximately. 50-55 °F.
- Signs of Spoilage: Watch for signs of a bad wine, which include a musty odor, a brown color, or an aftertaste that is reminiscent of vinegar.
Complement wines with neat foods and allow yourself to unwind while appreciating all the odors and tastes.
Why Buy Aged Wine from a Trusted Retailer Like WHWC
Buying aged wine means you have to be confident in the wine's provenance and storage history. This is where WHWC is an advantage:
- Provenance Guarantees: We have a record of the provenance of the wines, as well as the conditions they were stored under, so we can guarantee the wines are original and in good condition.
- Ideal Storage: In our facilities, great care has been taken to ensure the storage conditions are perfect for the aging of the wine until you receive it.
- Expert Selection: Our team of wine aficionados has hand-picked a whole host of different aged wines for you, classic and rare alike, so there is something for everyone and every occasion.
By purchasing through WHWC, you are getting a trusted source that is committed to providing you with unique, high-quality aged wines with integrity and care.
Gifting Aged Wine: A Sophisticated Gesture with Meaning
An aged wine can be a remarkable gift when you want to make a thoughtful gesture and evoke appreciation.
- Tell a personal story: Giving a wine that is aged from a momentous year in a person’s life, e.g., a birthday, anniversary, gives great personal sentiment.
- A Memorable experience: Aged wines with complex flavors cannot be replicated and will take the recipient on a unique tasting adventure.
- Presentation: Pair the wine with attractive packaging, or alternatively, provide a note that explains its provenance and tasting notes.
Aged wines present an exceptional journey into the beauty of flavor, history, and craftsmanship. By learning to choose, protect, and drink wonderful bottles of aged wine, we enhance our appreciation of the art of winemaking.
Have a look at WHWC's hand-selected gift offerings for beautiful aged wines that express your feelings with panache.
Related Products
Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon Luminous 2009
Vintage Rosé Sparkling Wine from Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
Krug Brut Champagne 2004
Vintage Sparkling Wine from Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
