Beaujolais 2017 – believe the hype?

The official summary of the 2017 vintage in Beaujolais seems to be that adverse weather nonetheless created outstanding quality. The conditions mentioned (spring frost, summer hail, drought and rain at harvest) sound like the exact recipe for a terrible season, yet 'optimum maturity [allowed] Gamay grapes to express their full potential. ... Slight drought caused the vines to plunge deeper into their soils to seek water, which has amplified terroir expression ... and conditions were excellent for the production of high-quality grapes which resulted in concentrated wines with excellent acid balance.' It's a miracle!

The Beaujolaisie are hardly the only...