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.
Montecillo Gran Reserva
A complex nose of raisin, bramble fruit, spice, and vanilla is complemented by subtle mint. The palate reveals plum, cherry, and leather, finishing with smooth, velvety tannins. A refined and excellent-value Gran Reserva, earning a full heart.
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Syrah
A rich profile of preserved and bramble fruits is accented by hints of cocoa. The palate introduces peppery spice, violet florals, vanilla, and baking spice, creating a layered and expressive wine with depth and character.
Château d’Agel In Extremis
Pronounced aromas of ripe fruit, leather, and baking spice create an immediate impression. The palate is bold and richly textured, with a rounded, satisfying mouthfeel. A powerful and approachable wine offering excellent value and earning a full heart.
Aberdeen BLK+BLU
Reminiscent of chocolate-covered berries, this wine showcases notes of blueberry, blackberry, and cocoa, supported by confectionery oak. The palate balances juicy fruit with structured grip, delivering both richness and texture. A bold, playful wine that earns a full heart.
Message In A Bottle Rosso IGT
A vibrant bouquet of florals, cranberry, clove, cedar, and mint leads into subtle cinnamon spice. The palate reveals cocoa, coffee, and red fruit with gentle baking spice. A well-balanced and expressive wine offering excellent value, deserving a full heart.
Castello Di Bossi Chianti Classico Reserva Berardo
A beautifully balanced Chianti with notes of cherry, raspberry, mint, and cedar. The palate is smooth and velvety, offering both freshness and depth. Elegant and refined throughout, this wine earns a confident full heart.
Vite Colte Barolo Riserva Essenze Monforte
After decanting, complex aromas of smoky red fruit, baking spice, red licorice, and kirsch emerge. The palate is rich and evolving, revealing savoury notes of forest floor and mushroom alongside concentrated fruit. A captivating and layered Barolo experience.
Viu Manent El Incidente Gran Carmenere
Deep and opulent, this wine presents aromas of tobacco leaf and black fruit, layered with smoky, toasty oak. The palate is bold and richly textured, finishing dry and refined. A decadent and powerful expression, earning a full heart.
Penfolds Bin 407 Cabernet Sauvignon
A polished Cabernet with expressive notes of dark confectionery fruit, cocoa, and leather, lifted by florals and a hint of mint. The palate is plush and silky, with fine tannins and excellent balance. A true showstopper of remarkable structure and elegance.
Nederburg Private Bin Two Centuries Cabernet Sauvignon
Given time to open, this wine reveals mineral-driven black fruit balanced by vanilla, clove, and spice. Earthy notes of leather and forest floor emerge on the finish, supported by smooth, satiny tannins. A complex and rewarding Cabernet, worthy of a full heart.
Pierre Amadieu Romane Machotte Rose
A beautifully expressive rosé with aromas reminiscent of strawberry jam and delicate herbal tones. The palate reveals layers of melon, candied apple, and soft floral notes, carried with elegance throughout. A refined and charming wine, deserving of a full heart.
Pommery Brut Royal Champagne
A classic Champagne offering inviting aromas of apple and browned butter. The palate reflects layers of nutty pastry, apple butter, and caramel, delivering richness with finesse. An effortlessly enjoyable choice, perfect for any occasion worth celebrating.
Tim Smith Wines Eden Valley Viognier
A compelling Viognier with complex aromatics of pear, apple, and a distinctive woolly nuance, complemented by hints of caramel and nuttiness. The palate delivers mineral and stony elements alongside creamy textures, subtle oak, and gentle smoky notes. Intriguing and highly rewarding.
Xanadu Circa 77 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
An elegant aromatic profile reveals balanced tropical fruit layered with subtle herbal notes. The palate is rich and juicy, offering both freshness and depth. A beautifully composed wine with excellent drinkability, confidently earning a full heart.
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.