Acquiring excellent wines via club

Winestyr finds small-production gems for members
Winestyr finds small-production gems for members

Some of us have tried wine clubs and drifted off eventually for one reason or another. But there are always new efforts being floated out there. Forbes magazine published in 2017 an updated list of top wine clubs you could feel comfortable about joining.

Winestyr, one of those listed in the Forbes article, has been around since 2011 when its founder started researching to discover a wide variety of rare, small-production gems for club members. They first started shipping in 2015, and have since founded a Chicago headquarters where they host winemakers. They send out nicely printed newsletters that give you the kind of lowdown you always want to have on any wine you buy that’s beyond table wine. So if you’re looking to go diving into exotic waters that transcend the local bulk wine store, this might be a good place to begin.

As an example, consider the idea of dry Rieslings from all over the world. Those from Austria and Australia are classically bone-dry with high natural acidity and mineral finishes. Some German expressions are dry, too, such as those from Pfalz and Rheingau. And now the US is producing dry Rieslings in spots like New York’s Finger Lakes region and the southern stretches of Oregon.

But even if you don’t like sweetness in your wines, it’s a fact that sugar is added to many types, including dry wines. Sugar helps tone down too much tooth-shredding acidity and can lend viscosity (body) to the mouth feel of an otherwise tart, lean wine. Rieslings that have some residual sugar are among the most aging-worthy wines anywhere. Winestyr says their people have tasted bottles up to 40-50 years old that were still fresh and vibrant. Winestyr offered to send us a few samples of Rieslings they’ve hand selected and vetted. We enjoyed them very much, and here are descriptions:

  • 2017 Off The Grid Riesling, Ovum Wines, Oregon. This small production (444 cases) is ready to drink now. Grapes grown at 1500 feet in alluvial gley soil – similar to that in Napa Valley’s Rutherford region – https://vinepair.com/articles/illustrated-guide-wine-soils/ have resulted in a wine with lots of tension and a flinty, quince-like finish. Club price $30.
  • 2014 Yellow Bird Vineyard Syrah, Elephant Seven in Walla Walla Valley AVA. 94% Syrah co-fermented with 6% Viognier. Absolutely delightful with frittata, light vegetables and cheeses. Club price $48.
  • 2016 Super MSG! Rhone Blend, Fausse Piste, in Columbia Valley AVA. Only 360 cases produced, it’s a blend of 34% Mourvedre, 22% Syrah, 24% Counoise, 20% Grenache. Has an earthy funkiness typical of the Southern Rhone. Notes of blackberry, dried plum, white pepper, and a hint of Brett (the yeast that gives the distinctive earthy aroma). Club price $26.

The goal at Winestyr is to educate and delight members with unique selections. The $0 shipping on orders is pretty sweet, and members-only pricing is not bad at 10 to 40% most wines in the portfolio. Visit www.winestyr.com for more info of membership.