Agustinos Malbec 2008

A quiet night in after a hard week's work. A scrumptious dinner of roasted pork in a cream sauce with mushrooms, and a side of cold broccoli. The cat slumbering peacefully on an old ottoman by the fireside.

Here's Agustinos' Malbec 2008: The odor strong and pungent, holding the promise of an eye-watering experience. The first sip is amazingly tart -- Fire on the lips and tongue, and then a long, slow burn all the way down the throat. Holy smoke, do I hate this wine! A simply astonishing level of displeasure all through the ingestive tract.

... And hours later, a warm queasy feeling still remains in the stomach.

Cork top. Alcohol content 13.5%. Price about $11. Blechs 5/5.

La Vieille Ferme Recolte 2009

An epic blanket of snow that's given a temporary rest to one of the world's great cities: Who wouldn't enjoy a cozy evening with their lover and nothing but to enjoy one another's company and warmth? A humble repast of bits and pieces from the coldbox, complete with a fine wine from the local dealer.

La Vieille Ferme Recolte 2009: On sampling the aroma, smells like a bunch of grapes. The first sip is watery, yet burns like the dickens on the lips, tongue and throat... an increasingly bitter aftertaste. Long-lasting sore spot deep in the throat.

Screwcap top. Alcohol content 13.5%. Price about $10. Blechs 4/5.