Certified organic (biodynamic farming). After Chénas, Saint-Amour is the region's smallest Cru, with its 360 hectares of vines spread across 12 climats. Bordering the Mâconnais, it is also Beaujolais' most northerly Cru. The family farms five hectares on this slope and the single block covers three appellations! There's a single hectare of decomposed granite that lies within the confines of the Saint-Amour Cru, while the remaining vines, rooted in a soil of granitic sand and gravel, traverse both the Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages AOC.

The Beaujolais En Besset is drawn from the non-Cru vines on Saint-Amour's Côte de Besset, hence the name of the cuvée. These vines sit within both the 'Beaujolais-Villages' and 'Beaujolais' AOCs but rather than making two cuvées the Graillot choose to make only one. Certain vintages may also contain some declassified Saint-Amour fruit. It's a very specific and outstanding quality terroir; most AOC Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages are in the south of the region, whereas this terroir is in the very north, in the granitic soils that are normally reserved for Cru wines. In fact this part of the vineyard touches both the Saint-Amour border and that of Juliénas. It's also one of the very highest vineyards in Beaujolais, sitting at some 450 metres above sea level, at the very top of the Côte de Besset. Even in warm years this means you get lovely, mouthwatering freshness and perfume. The 2017 is superb: beautifully perfumed, with all kinds of red flowers and black and red fruits. Bright and juicy in the palate, this is just a gorgeous, vibrant, sexy Gamay that's built on energy and perfume.

"Shimmering ruby. Spice-accented blackberry and violet pastille aromas are complemented by hints of succulent herbs, cured meat and dusty minerals. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering intense bitter cherry, dark berry and spicecake flavors that become sweeter as the wine stretches out. Repeats the floral note on the finish, which is given shape by supple, even tannins." 90 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous