Cheryl’s Wine Fest Picks
Hand-selected from our Festival of Wines, these standout bottles are all under $30 and available exclusively at Notables. Look for Cheryl’s signature Heart ratings — and if it’s a Full Heart, you know it’s a favourite.
Lan Crianza
For those who know Cheryl, this Rioja red is rated with a full heart — marked with her highest praise. The nose is full of cozy baking spice, sun-ripened strawberry, a hint of char, and soft oak sweetness. On the palate, it delivers delicious layers of earthy, savoury fruit with a warm, lingering finish.
Food pairing: Perfect alongside roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, or aged Manchego cheese.
Dr. Zenzen Elite Pinot Noir
An elegant pick with beautiful balance, this Pinot is all about fresh red fruits — raspberry, cherry — with floral notes and a touch of spice. Light and graceful on the palate, it finishes with a lovely floral lift that makes it easy to enjoy, any day of the week.
Food pairing: Ideal with herb-roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or creamy goat cheese.
Pillitteri Exclamation Reserve Chardonnay/Viognier
Cheryl didn’t hold back with this one — it’s a Full Heart! The nose is vibrant and mineral-driven, with flint, soft grapefruit, melon, and a hint of lime. Rich and round on the palate, expect flavours of juicy melon, caramel apple, and a touch of nuttiness. Absolutely delicious!
Food pairing: Try it with seared scallops, roasted butternut squash, or a fresh citrus salad.
Pelee Island Stone & Sky VQA Shiraz Petit Verdot
The Stone & Sky Shiraz VQA is a captivating red from Ontario’s Pelee Island Winery. On the nose, it offers cooked cherry, red licorice, vanilla, and oak. The palate is velvety with rich notes of cranberry, raspberry, plum, and a hint of tobacco leaf.
Food pairing: Perfect with BBQ ribs, spiced sausage, or aged cheddar.
Marques de Borba Colheita
Great value for this Alicante Bouschet from Portugal. On the nose, expect rich black fruit, meaty depth, mushroom, and a subtle hint of smoke. There’s plenty to discover with every swirl. The palate is deliciously earthy with ripe fruit flavours, finishing with a well-balanced tannic structure.
Food pairing: Ideal with grilled steak, roasted vegetables, or aged gouda.
Koskil Pinot Noir
This elegant Pinot Noir offers refined red fruit aromas with touches of vanilla and clove, balanced by an inviting earthiness. On the palate, bright cranberry and cherry flavours unfold alongside silky, soft tannins for a smooth, graceful finish.
Food pairing: Perfect with grilled salmon, fresh tomato salad, or creamy brie.