Figuring out what wine to pair with food is one of the more difficult assignments a wine lover faces. However, it pales in comparison with what wine to match with a presidential debate.

For last night’s presidential debate, we decided that a mini-vertical of Mike Januik’s Novelty Hill Red Wine was the way to go – the 2004 versus the 2005. Please note that this is not intended as a commentary on the candidates – old versus new, more similar than different, conservative wine versus big bold wine etc etc.

In our insta-polling, the 2004 was the clear favorite of the group.
Wines:
Score

 Name

 Notes

 $

*

 Novelty Hill Red Wine Columbia Valley 2004

 A big earthy, funky nose with lots of spicy plum aromas. The taste has lots of dark fruit and an excellent mid-palate and finish. This is an excellent wine for the money. 49% Cabernet; 19% Syrah 16% Malbec 16% Cab Franc. 14.1% alcohol.

Purchased at Esquin for $14.

 $18

+

 Novelty Hill Red Wine Columbia Valley 2005

 A light nose with black pepper, anise, and dark fruit. The wine becomes a bit smoky as it opens up. The taste is marked by anise and sour cherry. This is a good wine but is a bit thin on the mid-palate and the finish is somewhat disappointing. 47% Cabernet; 19% Malbec; 15% Petit Verdot ; 11% Sangiovese; 8% Syrah

14.1% alcohol. 1,079 cases produced.

Purchased at Pete’s Bellevue for $12.99.

$18