2000 Kendall-Jackson Vintners' Reserve Riesling, California

[wondersofwine]

Sblue, welcome to the board!
It's been awhile since I've had the Chateau
Ste. Michelle Riesling but I would say it's probably better than the Kendall-Jackson (cooler growing climate which is good for the Riesling grape). You might also try Columbia Winery Cellarmaster Riesling if you don't object to some residual sugar. It's popular with a lot of people just getting into drinking wine. But also look for a nice German Riesling in a wine shop (grocery store selection is sometimes limited to broad geographic areas and not the best quality). You might be surprised at how enjoyable a German Riesling Kabinett, Spatlese or Auslese is (my favorite areas are the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer and Rheingau but Nahe, Pfalz and Rheinhessen also produce some good Rieslings). The Riesling grape is also food-friendly whether it's a Kabinett or Spatlese with chicken, veal, pork or a Spatlese or Auslese with cake, fruit pie, or other sweet dessert. Good, drinkable German Rieslings can be found in the USA for less than $20 a bottle (sometimes $10-$12) which makes them quite a bargain as well.