They enjoyed the place and the wine immensely. According to their report: nearly empty, one fellow reading (Sartre?), one working. They were asked whether they wanted something stronger and fuller-bodied, or etc., and they took the former, which led to them being brought a delicious and satisfying selection 'from Beaujolais' which the proprietor did not identify in any more detail.
They were curious as to how my friends had heard of the place and incredulous when told that a connection in [name of US state in flyover country omitted] had told them about it. "Must be the internet," opined the reader.
Thank you again for your help!