Beaujolais is in the hands of a small, but growing number of local producers, like our friends David Chapel and Michele Smith Chapel in the Cru Village of Régnié-Durette, who are treating the varietal with the same respect and attention that Pinot Noir receives up north and the results are simply astounding. Gamay, in these hands, is producing some of the most compelling wines, not just of the region, but of all of the wine world. Connoisseurs and top professionals are now seeing, hitherto humble Gamay and Beaujolais, in a new light. The Chapels embrace natural winemaking practices in the vineyard and the winery, with great attention and expertise. The resultant wines are some of the purest we’ve tasted in recent times.