Inspired by the discussion from Approach to Aging Wines and prompted by @Ian_Sutton’s comment:
Has anyone noticed their palate for wine changing as they age?
For context, I’m approaching my late 40s. I would say that I have only been an avid wine “consumer” but not really “serious” about wine until recently.
Over my wine journey for the past quarter of a century, my palate for food has certainly changed but mostly just on the peripheral (I probably like veggies more and meat less than I used to, etc.). However, I have been less intentional with wine and am curious to hear how others have experienced changes in preferences over the years.
The one point of reference that I can share is my first introduction to serious wine a couple of decades ago by a close friend’s father, who was a distributor. He opened a ‘97 Quintessa to have with some homemade pasta. It was a life changing experience for me; this opened me to the world of fine wine.
Last year, I got my hands on a few more bottles and the experience was almost equally sublime. At least with regards to the ‘97 Quintessa, I can confirm my palate has not changed. The wine remains as compelling now as it was then.
Some questions:
- Have you noticed changes in your wine preferences over time?
- Are there wines or styles you once loved that you’ve revisited years later? How do those experiences compare?
- For those with more tasting experience, do you find your palate becoming more discriminating?
- Has time affected your sensitivity to specific components (e.g., tannins, acidity, alcohol, etc.)?
Including some photos of my recent Quintessa experience. Sometimes, first loves do stand the test of time. 
