i think most serious wine drinkers(and i am so pretentious as to think i know a few) think the wine clubs are just a merchandising tool for the young and hip label drinkers.

to get exclusive distribution of cult wines, one must usually sign up to join the club at the producing vineyard, and i don't think they charge.

if the person likes reds, see if you can buy him a couple of Turleys, or a le Pavotes(red or white), maybe a herb lamb. things that are not on the shelf, but still recognizable as high end wines. these are all close to cult wines, but can be found, and do not cost a fortune(they ain't cheap)

lot of good CA cab cult stuff at MacArthur's in DC. check the last pages of their catalogue.