In comparison to the '59, the 1949 Hermitage la Chapelle was gorgeous. Possessing an evolved, almost sherry-like color, it offers sweet notes of creme caramel, tobacco, toffee and coffee bean. Sweet, full-bodied, mouth filling and light on its feet, it's certainly falls into the "old wine" category, yet has terrific breadth and length, ample texture, and delivers an incredible amount of pleasure. I've no idea where it goes from here, but would happily drink a bottle today.