Cheryl Does France and Doesn't Hate It

So, I set out on this evening openminded. Last time this group got together we did California cabs, so it seemed only fair that I not put up a stink about this month being French rhones. I was really surprised to like two of the three red wines, although admittedly one tasted like CA syrah and the other came from the 2003 vintage, which is not truly representative of French wine given the temps that year. In any case, these were nice. I know I need to let my bottles age longer, not that these are old, but nights like this remind me what a difference five or six years can make.

• 1996 Moët & Chandon Champagne Cuvée Dom Pérignon

  France, Champagne

  Nice. No yeast. Lots of lemon. A little cream on the finish. I had the 95 Krug last night and would be torn to say which is better. This is definitely enjoyable if you like champagne.

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• 1999 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  I am not a French wine fan and this bottle typifies everything I dislike about Frenchies. Funky with a fruit that that has perhaps been left out on the kitchen for too many days in the summer. Nice dark, dark cherry color. Long finish. No.

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• 2003 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  My wine nemisis predicted on Saturday that I'd like this if I ever had a chance to try it and, lo and behold, here it is at a tasting on Monday night. It pains me to admit it was pleasant. This was consumed after the Pegau and I found it fresh, bright and fruity. It wasn't the same wine with food. It was unenjoyable, in fact, but prior to and after food, this was enoyable. For those who are interested in the corkage issue that some bottles from this vintage have had, this bottle was from the following lot: L056, LAUB.

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• 2001 Betts & Scholl Hermitage

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  This is what all French wines should taste like... California! Gosh, this was beautiful. Buttery oak on the nose that didn't blow away, young, sweet, fresh, dark and bright fruit. Some oak on the palate as well. I would have bet money that this was CA. No French earth/dirt present at all. Great wine. These grapes are from Chave.

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• 1998 Zind-Humbrecht Tokay Pinot Gris Clos Jebsal Sélection de Grains Nobles

  France, Alsace

  So, I enjoyed two out of three of the red Frenchies and now comes a sweet wine that I enjoy?? I should buy a lottery ticket because this is one in a million. Golden, slight orange color. Sweet, but not syrupy at all. Loads of honey, no petrol. Great after dinner wine.

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Skinner's Loft was surprising lovely. I called ahead to ask for corkage. They don't have an established rate but called me back and said they could do it for $10/bottle. This gives Ox a run for its money. While there is a need for more than one nice place in JC, this is really nice. I'll post more in the BYOB area. I recommend this.