Squirrel Master said:
Somehow I never have experiences like this at the store...
Completely separate topic: Do you guys have a good rule of thumb for how long to age different types of wines? Is there a good source yall use? I suspect I drink a lot of stuff before its peak age.
Very few wines (relative to the total market) actually improve with age. Virtually all modern wine (excepting box wine and the like) will last 5-8 years with no issues, but won't improve. Cork quality is the primary factor for these wines and cork quality drops off rapidly with price point. Notice which wines have aglomerated ("aglo") corks, they are made from fused cork bits as opposed to a whole cork.
Most wines that improve with age have a level of tannins and structure that soften and meld with time. Think of 3 day old chili - it's usually better even though it's hard to pinpoint why - similar with aged wine.
Napa style cabs (later harvest, lower anti-oxidants) are ready sooner. Historically Bordeaux took many years as they tended to harvest earlier and had much higher tannins. However via micro-ox and other technologies most Bordeaux doesn't take as long any more.
The answer to your question depends upon your taste preferences. I will say that once I tasted a really good Bordeaux style wine that had aged 20+ years I became hooked - but many prefer the fruit forward, younger Napa style.
Really, even if you know what you like, aging is a crapshoot. Even the producers recommendations are just guesses - informed and experienced guesses, but guesses just the same.
The best part is experimenting yourself. I will say that at 66, buying a wine the will peak in 20 years is different than it used to be.