Nothing will ever touch France wines so I never compare anything to that even though I am a Northern California wine homer
Depends on whether you want to taste more terroir or more fruit. But many French wines are going towards more fruit.
I like the Rhone-base wines from Tablas Creek around Paso Robles - owned by the French vintners -- Perrin. I get a small shipment every quarter - put them away for 3-4 months, and then, life is good.