I purchased the 1971 La Chapelle inexpensively, and consumed more than three cases over the last three decades. It was delicious upon release, yet remarkably, it remains a thrilling wine. Resembling a Hermitage made in the image of Pomerol, this succulent, low acid, silky-textured La Chapelle continues to age effortlessly, with no loss of fat or fruit. The color is opaque garnet with considerable amber at the edge. The hedonistic bouquet offers up smoky, dried herb, coffee, roasted meat, and blackberry/cassis aromas. Fully mature since the mid-seventies, this wine demonstrates what perfect balance can mean in terms of the evolution of a great wine from a stunning terroir. The wine is full-bodied, hedonistic, opulently-textured, exotic, and intensely fragrant and rich. How much longer it will age is the question, but it is revealing no signs of decline. Drink it up.