Two good, inexpensive white wines

Two inexpensive white wines that I tried recently that are worth mentioning.

1. Chateau St. Michelle 2007 Pinot Gris.

Chateau St. Michelle is a Washington state winery that made its reputation with white wines. They're known in particular for their Reisling. They also make a chardonnay that is usually a good wine for the price. Anyway, I tried the 2007 Pinot Gris today with some Thai food and it was very good. I've had the 2006 pinot gris and liked it a lot, so I was pleased to see the consistency from that vintage to this one. Pinot gris (or pinot grigio) is not really a complex or exciting wine, but I think it goes great with spicy food specifically because of the lack of complexity. I think this wine retails for around $13.00 or so, but I got it on sale for $8.00 at my local grocery store here in Los Angeles. Highly recommended for what it is: a good, uncomplicated white wine that will go great with spicy food, Chinese food, etc.

2. Kirkland 2006 Napa Valley Chardonnay.

Kirkland is the store brand label for Costco. They sell a number of wines under their own label, like shiraz from Barossa, Australia, cabernet sauvignon from Napa Valley, pinot noir from Santa Barbara County, and now this chardonnay from Napa Valley. I'm not sure if they buy up excess wine and bottle it, or buy excess grapes and actually make the wines themselves (like Cameron Hughes), but whatever they do this wine is a winner! I paid $7.99 for it at Costco and it is worth twice that much. I noticed last time I was in the store that the 2007 vintage for this particular wine is out so I'll be giving that one a try soon. This is very good wine, regardless of the price. At $7.99 it's a great value as well.