NWO Golf Links February 2016

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By: Kurt Wieneke
Many years ago I tasted a
2003 Wyncroft Chardonnay
on a business trip to Detroit.
This was one of those holy
grail experiences, where the
wine becomes etched in your
memory, never to be forgotten
and always to be sought after.
It was a Chardonnay from
Michigan that tasted as good
as any Puligny-Montrachet,
having power and grace,
purity and minerality. During
this dinner, my friend waxed
poetic about Wyncroft and its
winemaker, Jim Lester.
This past year I had an
opportunity to visit South
Haven, Michigan, meet Jim
Lester and taste the entire
portfolio of
After a beautiful morning drive
into southern Michigan, I
reached the gates of Wyncroft.
On the immediate horizon
were rolling hills and newly
planted vineyards. Lester has
long gray locks and a laid-
back style. After a quick tour
of the property, he ushered
us to “the barn,” a remodeled
garage with a drive-out
basement, which has been
converted to a winery and
tasting room.
He started our tasting session
with some of his recent
Rieslings. The estate Riesling
is made in a crisp Alsatian
style that pairs well with an
unbelievably good Wisconsin
cheese that was brought out by
his gracious wife, Dawn.
nce the Chardonnays were
brought out, he poured me his
most current Chardonnay and
the Cuvee Rae Lee, both from
Avonlea vineyard. These wines
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