Midlife wrote:
> We're going to a local French restaurant for dinner this weekend, and they
> feature a small number of reasonably priced French wines by the carafe. I'm
> not as conversant with French wine as I'd like, so I'm hoping for some help
> in sorting through this list for anything better than the rest.
>
> 2000 Ch. De Coulaine Organic, Chinon
> 2000 Michel Picard, Bourgogne Pinot Noir

Neither of those is likely to be memorable, and both might taste thin if
your palate is calibrated to CA.

> 2000 M. Chapoutier, Belleruche, Syrah

As Dale said, a very decent $10-12 CdR. If you think Zin with a few
meaty elements tossed in, you get the general idea.

> 2000 Dom. du Pere Pape, Chateauneuf du Pape

A lackluster producer in a good year. Likely to be simple, fruity and
soft (for the appellation) and medium bodied. Again, think lighter
bodied Zin (Nalle?) with possibly notes of game and herbs and you won't
be too far off.

Given your menu options, I might try the Belleruche, but that's just me.

Mark Lipton