90 Glenelly Chardonnay Stellenbosch Estate
Reserve 2017 $25 Shows freshness and vibrancy, with
prominent acidity cutting through the rather round pro-
file. Displays flavors of yellow plum and quince, revealing
hints of chestnut in the background. Drink now through- 3,916 cases made, 500 cases imported.—A.Z.
89 Klein Constantia Constantia Red 2016 $27
This shows some weight and a suave texture, with notes
of licorice underscoring the ripe black cherry and damson
plum fruit. Dark chocolate details emerge on the finish.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Shiraz and Petit Verdot.
Drink now through 2023. 1,000 cases imported.—A.Z.
88 Raats Family Red Jasper Stellenbosch 2016
$25 Solid, with hints of black olive and sage surround-
ing the core of dark cherry flavors. Shows vibrancy on the
finish, while firm tannins provide support. Cabernet
Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot. Drink now
through 2023. 1,000 cases made, 910 cases imported.—A.Z.
88 Safriel House Chardonnay Coastal Region
2016 $20 This shows a bit of development, with hints
of hazelnut and warm brioche, while flavors of apricot and
durian form the core. Moderate length. Drink now. 350
cases made, 350 cases imported.—A.Z.87 Glenelly Estate Reserve Stellenbosch 2013
$25 Pure, elegant and focused, featuring a mix of cedar
and sage notes behind the berry fruit. Well-balanced and
slightly grippy, with moderate length. Drink now. 10,366
cases made, 1,500 cases imported.—A.Z.
87 Stellenbosch Vineyards Pinotage Stellen-
bosch Bushvine 2017 $18 A firmly structured red,
with notes of smoky mineral framing the core of dark
cherry flavors. The tannins are a bit chewy. Drink now.
6,000 cases made, 1,800 cases imported.—A.Z.
85 Robertson Winery Chardonnay Robertson
2018 $10 Round, with decent acidity for backbone
and notes of smoke and bitter lemon oil. Moderate length.
Drink now. 50,000 cases made, 6,200 cases imported.—A.Z.OTHER
INTERNATIONAL
93 Oremus Tokaji Aszú 3 Puttonyos 2013
$56/500ml A pleasing, creamy plumpness defines this
light-footed sweetie, with juicy acidity well-knit to flavors
of dried apricot, salted almond, honeycomb, pine and pre-
served lemon that echo on the finish. Furmint, Hárslevelü,
Zéta and Sárga Muskotály. From Hungary. Drink now
through 2025. 3,667 cases made.—A.N.
92 Oremus Tokaji Late Harvest 2017 $36/500ml
This explodes with juicy blood orange and nectarine fruit,
candied ginger and grapefruit peel notes and ample spice
and herb accents. Light- to medium-bodied, with a long,
racy, mineral-laced finish. Furmint, Hárslevelü, Sárga
Muskotály and Zéta. From Hungary. Drink now through- 2,917 cases made, 960 cases imported.—A.N.
91 Jure Stekar Goriška Brda Red Filip 2015 $45
Fig cake, cassis, iron and delicate herb notes are woven
with supple tannins in this harmonious, medium- to full-
bodied red. Fresh and elegant, offering a spiced finish.
Cabernet Franc and Merlot. From Slovenia. Drink now
through 2025. 33 cases made, 8 cases imported.—A.N.
90 Oremus Furmint Tokaji Mandolás 2017 $30
Fresh and floral, this lithe, light-bodied white features
spice and graphite accents to the notes of Honeycrisp
apple, lime blossom and crunchy white peach. Features a
racy, chalk- and mineral-laced finish. From Hungary.
Drink now through 2024. 6,667 cases made, 800 cases
imported.—A.N.
90 Jure Stekar Goriška Brda Morus Virido 2017
$34 Sleek acidity drives rich flavors of poached quince,
mandarin orange peel, and rose hip, with dry, spicy details
of white pepper and ginger. A balanced, medium-bodied
white, offering a lightly chalky texture. From Slovenia.
Drink now through 2024. 58 cases made, 6 cases
imported.—A.N.
90 Jure Stekar Goriška Brda Red Morus Nigra
2016 $34 A balanced, medium- to full-bodied red, this
layers creamy tannins with a finely knit range of crushed
black cherry, rose hip and woodsy spice flavors. Shows a
subtle underpinning of tangy mineral. Merlot and Caber-
net Sauvignon. From Slovenia. Drink now through 2024.
42 cases made, 14 cases imported.—A.N.
89 Jure Stekar Cabernet Sauvignon Goriška
Brda 2016 $24 There’s a tangy quality to the ripe cur-
rant and wild cherry fruit of this medium-bodied red, with
light, snappy tannins adding to the lively personality. Aro-
matic notes of rose hip, dried thyme and orange peel accent
the fruit and linger on the finish. From Slovenia. Drink now
through 2023. 165 cases made, 45 cases imported.—A.N.
89 Jure Stekar Merlot Goriška Brda 2016 $25
A bright, mouthwatering and medium-bodied red, featur-
ing wild cherry and cranberry fruit, with spice box and
Earl Grey tea notes that linger on the creamy, fragrant
finish. From Slovenia. Drink now through 2023. 165 cases
made, 30 cases imported.—A.N.United States
CALIFORNIA
Chardonnay91 Hartford Court Chardonnay Green Valley of
Russian River Valley Three Jacks Vineyard 2016
$65 Well-structured and juicy, with focused white fruit
and dried coconut flavors, featuring creamy accents. The
spicy finish is rich, showing hints of dried tarragon. Drink
now through 2023. 309 cases made.—K.M.
91 Sterling Chardonnay Napa Valley Reserve
2016 $65 Well-knit, featuring flavors of apple, dried
pear and pastry. Juicy, with smoky details midpalate and
hints of crushed stone on the buttery finish. Drink now
through 2022. 500 cases made.—K.M.
90 Hartford Court Chardonnay Russian River
Valley Four Hearts Vineyards 2017 $50 Well-
framed, with pastry notes accenting the lively tangerine,
green apple and pear flavors. Offers a rich, buttery finish,
showing savory hints. Drink now through 2022. 1,743
cases made.—K.M.
90 Three Sticks Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
Gap’s Crown Vineyard 2017 $55 Offers a crisp, pure
mix of lemon-lime, green apple and honeydew melon fla-
vors. Zesty midpalate, with hints of sage cream on the
finish. Drink now through 2023. 250 cases made.—K.M.
89 J Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2017 $33
Focused and fresh-tasting, with savory snap to the dried
white fruit flavors. Lemon-lime details show midpalate,
revealing hints of sage cream on the finish. Drink now
through 2021. 10,900 cases made.—K.M.
87 Sterling Chardonnay California Vintner’s
Collection 2017 $12 Fresh-cut apple and green pear
flavors are flanked by spicy notes. Beeswax hints on the
finish. Drink now. 251,681 cases made.—K.M.
86 Wine Cube Chardonnay California 2017
$18/3.0L Juicy, with touches of richness to the pear
tart and dried apple flavors. The creamy finish shows hints
of fennel and plenty of spice details. Sold as a 3L box.
Drink now. 30,000 cases made.—K.M.
85 Bogle Chardonnay California 2017 $10
Baked apple, ripe pear and hazelnut flavors are featured
in this medium-bodied version. Buttered toast notes show
on the finish. Drink now. 551,933 cases made.—K.M.New Releases: South Africa / Other International / UNITED STATES / California102 WINE SPECTATOR • SEPT. 30, 2019