How long does wine last in years?

[JSHelgerson]

Much more happens in the bottle besides tannins dropping out and giving a wine a softer feel. The chemical composition of the wine is changing gradually through many tiny processes, causing other flavors to emerge (often referred to as "bottle bouquet"). At the same time, the youthful fruit flavors that had been prominent start to diminish.

Most wines aren't built for long-term aging, and red wines, with the structure that the tannins give them, are generally better able to stand up to cellaring. But some white wines gain layers of extra flavor with time in the bottle. Better Burgundy, as well as Riesling and Sémillon (both dry and sweet), are among the white wines worth aging. Most white wines are ready to drink upon release. Yet the wines most enthusiasts are interested in (the best Chardonnays, Chablis or Cote D’Or White Burgundies, even the better German wines) are released years before they will be at their peak. They can be enjoyed when young, but they will not have reached their full potential. The consumer is assumed to be knowledgeable enough to understand that these wines need that time in bottle to smooth out, mellow, and evolve into something complex and wonderful.