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For that blast of plump, sun-warmed fruit that puts you squarely in California, theÌý2021 Austin Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon from CaliforniaÌý(Vintages 37313, $28.95) delivers. The scent is subtle, nodding toward cassis and cherries, chocolate and cream. Then it floods the senses with a lush crush of sumptuous goodness. This full-bodied thriller rolls in with blackberry jam on toast, freshly brewed coffee, grated nutmeg and blackcurrant liqueur — all tightly packed with velvety tannins that hem in that generous fruit. A gently smoky finish leaves the palate seasoned. Fabulous full-bodied red to serve with such comforting California fare as seared filet mignon and a Cobb salad.Ìý³§³¦´Ç°ù±ð:Ìý94

To France with a magnificent Champagne

Nothing takes you to France like a glass of good Champagne. So pick up the Louis Roederer Champagne Collection 244 from FranceÌý(Vintages Essential 268771, $99.95), which is magnificent right now. The experience starts with the toasty-fresh, deeply inviting fragrance of citrus and orchard fruit, praline and brioche followed by an effervescent entry that cascades with complexity. Bright pear turns to blood orange and lemon cream, roasted nuts and sweet butter, chalk and seashell before a fluttery floral note and smoky undertone show through and linger. Elegance and power in perfect proportion, this wine releases you only after its long, languid finish.ÌýScore:Ìý95

To France with a compelling Chablis

If you prefer a still white from France, pick up the 2023 Moillard Chablis Les Coteaux d’Or from Burgundy, FranceÌý(LCBO 32563, $32.35). This textbook, wet-stone-scented white gleams star bright. Then, it sweeps in with a fresh, vivid attack of silky vinosity, saturating the palate with wonderful purity of fruit that suggests lemon zest and grapefruit pith, crushed limestone and sea salt with a touch of bitter orange and a whisper of white pepper. Not a long wine but certainly compelling and keeps you sipping. Put yourself in France with big bowls of steamed mussels, french fries, sliced baguette and this bottle of wine.ÌýScore:Ìý91

To Spain with a bone dry sherry

Nothing takes you to Spain like a glass of chilled fino Sherry, especially before dinner with a bowl of olives or almonds. So pick up theÌýTio Pepe Fine Extra Dry Palomino Fino Sherry by Gonzalez Byass from Jerez, SpainÌý(LCBO 231829, $19.95)Ìýand text your friends to come by. Bone dry and briny, this steely fortified white starts with a shy nose and then slips in with beaming precision. The characteristic salty tang braces the senses while a fine embroidery of allusions come to the fore. Almond and cashew, bread dough and soda crackers, green olive and Granny Smith apple. Those who like it, like it a lot. Score:Ìý91

To Italy with an impressive Nebbiolo

Head to Piedmont, Italy, with this pure Nebbiolo, theÌý2020 Vietti Perbacco Nebbiolo, Langhe DOC from Piedmont, ItalyÌý(Vintages 15087, $36.95). It’s the same grape variety used to make Barolo and Barbaresco. The sheer red liquid soars with fragrant, shifting scents of cherry and dry earth, roses and tobacco, laced with a touch of tar. On the palate, cherry fruit meets black tea and mint, crushed violet and new leather woven together seamlessly. A gentle tug of tannin gives the necessary grip for this ready-to-drink Nebbiolo, holding the fruit on the finish and matching protein-rich meals. Impressive red, especially poured with a wild mushroom risotto.ÌýScore:Ìý92

To Italy with a rich Governo

For a glass of Tuscany, reach for the 2022 Villa Puccini Governo Toscano IGT from ItalyÌý(LCBO 31802, $17.15).ÌýThe wine teems with warm fruits — poached damsons and muddled berries — along with pink peppercorn, black earth and a touch smoked meat somewhere. Each sip tastes expansive and harmonious, full-fruited and rich with a lamplit finish. By the way, this wine is a Governo, which means it’s made with partially dried fruit to add colour, depth and body to the final wine. The result is a round, robust red with more complexity and concentration than the price would suggest. Perfect pizza night waiting to happen.ÌýScore:Ìý93