If we are talking NCs it is a strange phenomenon and really does not make much sense as tobacco should be tabbaco. But I have found that NCs just don't age well, I have tried lots of different brands with 10 + years on them . I did find it strange that I aged some Padron 3000's 5+ years and it tasted very similar to a anniversary. Even when we are talking Cuban cigars most guys that don't smoke a lot of them are used to and expect fresh, strong in you face flavor. I have given one of there guys a 15+ year old cuban and he actually thought it was fake
I have talked to guys that thought a vintage cigar should taste moldy because that was his limited experience. It really is about storage and good tobacco to start with. Most guys do agree that you need a strong blend to stand up to long aging like Bolivar, Partagas and Ramon Allonnes to name a few. But that not entirely true, take cohiba for instance when young you get a taste of fresh grass. At the 10 to 15 year mark you get vanilla and rich cream. Age and good storage can be a great thing but a lot of the time its a acquired taste. I and sure the first time you tried wine you didn't think much of it.