There are two distinct parties in the world of wine

It has been said that wine and politics don't mix. But I have always wondered how they came up with Republican and Democratic "parties."

I know that it is never a good thing to bring up politics when you are enjoying the fruit of the vine. The tendency is to think that you know more than you really do. And the conversation will rarely end in an amicable agreement.

But it is interesting to note that wine and politics do have an unusual parallel.

There are two distinct parties in the world of wine: the Old World Party and the New World Party.

If you are a registered Old World sipper, you tend to favor wines made in Europe. You support wines like French Burgundy and Bordeaux, Italian Chianti, Alsatian Riesling and Spanish Rioja. The production of these wines is heavily steeped in tradition. The same families have been in charge of the wineries for centuries. Modern wine-making technology is not easily accepted, and change comes slowly. The governing laws regarding wine production and labeling are strict. But the wines are some of the best in the world, and they truly taste of the earth from which they come. You might say that these wines are conservative and slightly right-wing.

If you are a registered New World sipper, you tend to favor wines made in the "newer" wine producing regions of the world. You support wines like Napa Cabernet, Australian Shiraz, Argentinean Malbec and Chilean Merlot. The production of these wines is heavily influenced by the flavor preferences of top wine critics who score the wines. Upstart winemakers and new winemaking technology have created a kind of wine revolution. The resulting wines are full-blown, high alcohol, in-your-face, powerhouse fruit bombs. You might say that these wines are liberal and slightly left-wing.

Although many wine drinkers can "reach across the aisle" (or the ocean), you'll find many die-hards dedicated to one party or the other.

I have always been an Old World girl. I love the steely flavor of French Chablis, the petrol aroma of an aged German Riesling and the rustic earthiness of Italian Barolo.

However, an exciting New World candidate has somehow managed to sway me to the left. As a matter of fact, the name of the winery is Mollydooker, and it is the Australian word for "left-hander."

I was recently introduced to Mollydooker wines by my good friend Jay. He called me one day to tell me that the owner and winemaker of Mollydooker, Sparky Marquis, was coming all the way from Australia to appear at a wine dinner at Rooney's restaurant. Jay was so excited that he described it as "the Cirque de Soleil for wine lovers" coming to Rochester. Of course, I couldn't refuse.

Well, mate, let me tell you. Sparky Marquis is not only a great winemaker, but a great entertainer as well. Before the dinner began, we were all sworn in by raising our left hand. If you weren't left-handed, then you automatically became an "honorary Mollydooker" by claiming to know someone who was, or by drinking with your left hand. Easily done.

We proceeded to taste our way through the line-up of these Aussie wines (from left to right of course), and they just exploded with pure fruit flavor at the dinner table. My skepticism about the food and wine pairing abilities of New World wines vanished. The word most heard that evening was just plain "Wow."

Mollydooker Wines was founded in March 2006 by Sparky and his wife, Sarah. In a short two years, they have established themselves as one of the top wineries in the world, having garnished five ratings of 99 points (and that is out of 100). This is unreal.

Before you read on, a quick disclaimer. These wines are not easy to find. Not only is the production limited, but they are also quick to be snatched off the shelf when they arrive here from the Land of Oz. Nonetheless, I feel compelled to make you, the reader, get out there and find one.

Good news: Mollydooker produces a line of affordable wines called the Lefty Wines (go figure), which each cost about $25. Look for "The Scooter" (Merlot), "The Maitre D" (Cabernet Sauvignon), "Two Left Feet" (Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot) and "The Boxer" (Shiraz). All rich, juicy, intense, lush, teeth-staining red wines.

Kick it up a notch, and you'll find the Party Wines at around $55 each. "Gigglepot" (a Cabernet Sauvignon named after their daughter, Holly — one of my personal favorites), "Blue Eyed Boy" (a Shiraz named after their son, Luke) and "Goosebumps" (a mouthwatering sparkling Shiraz).

Finally, the top of the line: "Carnival of Love" and "Enchanted Path" (at a mere $90 each) will transport you to Shiraz heaven. Plus they have pretty labels. "The Velvet Glove" (at $185) is perhaps the most mouth-filling wine I have ever had tasted. If anyone ever wants to propose marriage to me, this would do it.

In recent exit polls, the New World sippers are definitely on the rise. I wish you all an exciting Election Day, and many happy returns.