As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that you can indeed drink a 35-year-old wine. However, it's important to manage your expectations and understand that the taste may not be amazing.
Wine, like most things, has a finite lifespan. As it ages, the flavors and aromas evolve and change. Some wines are meant to be enjoyed young, while others have the potential to improve with age. However, the vast majority of wines are meant to be consumed within a few years of their vintage date.
When it comes to aging wine, the general rule of thumb is that only a small percentage of bottles actually benefit from it. These are typically high-quality wines with the right balance of acidity, tannins, and sugar that can evolve and develop complexity over time. These wines are often more expensive and are specifically labeled as age-worthy.
So, the first thing to consider when thinking about drinking a 35-year-old wine is whether it falls into the category of wines that are known to age well. If it's a cheap, mass-produced wine meant for immediate consumption, chances are it will not have held up over the years.
Assuming you do have a wine that has the potential to age, the next factor to consider is how it has been stored. Proper storage conditions are crucial for preserving the quality of wine over time. Ideally, the wine should have been stored in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature and humidity level. If the wine has been exposed to extreme temperatures, fluctuations, or excessive light, it may have deteriorated and may not be enjoyable to drink.
When it comes to actually drinking a 35-year-old wine, it's important to approach it with an open mind and realistic expectations. The wine may have lost some of its vibrant fruit flavors and instead developed more tertiary aromas like dried fruit, leather, and earthiness. The tannins may have softened, and the acidity may have mellowed. This doesn't mean the wine is bad, but rather that it has evolved and changed over time.
In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to taste some older wines, including a few that were 35 years old or more. While some of them were still enjoyable and had developed complex flavors, others had clearly passed their prime and were past the point of being enjoyable.
It's also worth mentioning that not all wines are meant to age for decades. Most wines are made to be consumed within a few years of release and are at their best during that time. Aging a wine that is not meant to be aged can actually ruin the bottle, as it may become oxidized, lose its fruitiness, and develop off-putting flavors.
While it is possible to drink a 35-year-old wine, it's important to consider the type of wine, storage conditions, and manage your expectations regarding taste. Remember, only a small percentage of wines benefit from aging, and attempting to age a wine that is not meant to be aged can result in disappointment. So, if you come across a bottle of 35-year-old wine, proceed with caution and be prepared for whatever surprises it may hold.