Leavitt & Sons

Wine Tasting January 28th, 2010

2010-01-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

VITIANO BIANCO, UMBRIA, ITALY $9.99
Umbria is located in the middle of Italy. This bianco is a blend of Vermentino and Verdicchio, 50% each. Vitiano Bianco is a balanced, delightful, and fresh wine that offers a rich bouquet of herbs, lime, and ripe pears. A great Italian value wine, it is the perfect accompaniment to pasta with shellfish, risotto, white meat casseroles, salads, and vegetables.

WALLACE BROOK PINOT GRIS, WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON $9.99
Crisp, bright flavors have always been the hallmark of Wallace Brook Pinot Gris. It shows a lovely floral bouquet. Pear, peach and apple flavors dominate the fruit profile, with a bit of spiciness. This wine has incredible versatility, pairing with everything from very spicy foods (Thai) or strongly flavored foods (such as ceviche) to the more classic poached salmon, shellfish, bisques, and a traditional oven-roasted turkey.

SAN SILVESTRO BARBERA, PIEDMONT, $9.99
This Barbera is so easy to drink! And are you kidding me, a wine from Piedmont for under $10, hello!!! Deep, bright ruby red, with a fresh opening; bursting with hints of ripe berries, with cherries and jam making it soft on the palate. It will pair well with cold meats, cheeses, pasta, red meats, grilled meats and pizza.

TORRES SANGRE DE TORO, CATALONIA, SPAIN $9.99
The Torres winery is one of the oldest, & most respected in Spain. Voted European Winery of the Year in 2006, Torres is one of the first Spanish wineries to export their wines to America and the World. The name Sangre de Toro was inspired by Bacchus, the Roman God of wine, known in ancient times as the 'son of thebull'. The wine is a blend of Grenache and Carinena. It is aged for six months in oak. Rich and complex Mediterranean aromas with exuberant notes of spices and blackberries. Velvety tannins are noted on the palate with elegant flavors of licorice and small dark forest fruits (blueberries and blackcurrants). Pairs well with steak, stews and wild game.

MCMANIS PINOT NOIR, RIVER JUNCTION, CALIFORNIA $9.99
This winery is a gem. It is the only winery in the River Junction AVA. This winery flies under the radar with some of the best valued wines in California. It is medium garnet in color and aromas of cherry, strawberry, and raspberries are accompanied by a bouquet of vanilla and cocoa. Round and soft in the mouth, with bright red berry flavors, the fruit and the 6 months in oak, balance out this fairly substantial wine.

MORANDE CARMENERE, MAIPO VALLEY, CHILE $9.99
Remember the Carmenere, this will be the next big thing in wine circles soon to follow in the footsteps of Malbec, and not to long ago Pinot Noir. This is the lost Bordeaux grape, discovered in Chile where it thrives and produces fruit forward, earthy wines with hints of herbs and spice. You can literally taste the floor of the forest where you would find wild blackberries, and strawberries all around your feet. The flavor is full and elegant. Enjoy the red wine of the future with pizza, pasta, burgers, steak, cheeses, & cold cuts.

Nappi Wine Tasting, November 19, 2009

2009-11-13T07:58:00.000-08:00

These wines have been specially chosen for great Thanksgiving drinking!

BRUT, MUMM NAPA VALLEY PRESTIGE 750 ML $19.99
Fresh and creamy; this has baked pear, apple, vanilla, and nutmeg flavors. One of the best choices you could have made.
87 Points- Wine Spectator, 89 Points- Wine Enthusiast.

CHARDONNAY, SANTA BARBARA WINERY (2007) $13.99
Ripe and rich flavors of pears, melon, vanilla, and toast; uses malolactic fermentationto bring out rich tropical fruit flavors typical of the region.

PINOT NOIR, FLEUR DE CALIFORNIA CARNEROS (2007) reg $14.99, special $13.99
This is one of the finest Pinot Noirs at an affordable price, with consistent style. It has bright and vibrant strawberry, spice, and French oak aromas and flavors, soft tannins, and velvety texture. Enjoy this Pinot with grilled salmon, chicken, turkey, pasta, or crab cakes!
87 Points- Robert Parker, 88 Points- Wine Enthusiast.

Chasing lions Napa California $12.99
This incredible blend from Nine North winery is a blend of 55%merlot(Body),25%caberbet Sauvignon(for Richness), 10%Cabernet Franc(For Aromas),7%(for body weight)and 3% Petite Verdot (for Color and tannins) . The varietals are vinified separately and then aged for 16 months in American barrels.

ZINFANDEL, FOUR VINES OLD VINE CUVEE (2006) $10.99
Fruit for this wine was selected from vines ranging in age from 16-50 years old in vineyards in Sonoma and Paso Robles; aged in small French and American oak barrels, this value-oriented Zinfandel has silky layers of berry, plum, spice, and oak aromas and flavors. 86 Points- Wine Spectator. (2007)- 86 Points-Wine Spectator.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ST. FRANCIS SONOMA (2005) $15.99
This is a blend of the big three Cabernet valleys; Alexander, Sonoma, and Dry Creek. Ripe and intense; plum, black cherry, currant, and mocha flavors lead into a supple finish.

Wine Tasting Notes for October 15, 2009

2009-10-14T13:59:00.001-07:00

Oveja Negra Chardonnay/Viognier ………………………………………….$8.99
85% Chardonnay - 15% Viognier. A light straw color in color. Rich fruity nose of apricot, banana and green apple with subtle mineral notes. Tropical fruits, apricot and green apple flavors with a medium body and soft, elegant finish. Pair with Thai food, seafood dishes and white sauce pastas.

The Wishing Tree Unoaked Chardonnay – …………………………………$11.99
“The name comes from my childhood days. We would gather under a beautiful old Oak tree, with wide trunk and massive almost exaggerated canopy. To gain a few minutes peace, our parents told us if we made a wish under this tree, it would come true. The tree became The Wishing Tree. “ John Larchet, Proprietor . - Bright and tangy, with a lemony edge to the green apple flavors, hinting at star fruit as the finish lingers. Drink now. 88pts

Culpeo Pinot Noir –……………………………………………………………..$9.99
Produced at La Fortuna Farm purchasedby Don Modesto Güell in 1942, it is located 220 km south from Santiago. ORGANICALLY GROWN. With a bright ruby red color this Pinot Noir displays varietal aromas and hints of fresh fruit, pomegranate and black cherry. Elegant and friendly in the mouth with a long and pleasant finish.

Vina Arenal Carmenere – ……………………………………………………………$9.99
Founded in 1998, Vina Peralillo is located in the Colchagua Valley at 656 feet altitude, 155 miles from Santiago. Because they are on the coastal side of the valley, their estate benefits from a significant maritime influence, allowing daily temperature fluctuations of up to 70 degrees. Intensely dark and violet in color with bold, sweet, floral aromas of blackberry and earthy plum which combine with peppery spiciness. In the mouth, it is ripe, structured, and surprisingly complex, with a terrific softness on the palate.

La Rocca Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon – ………………………………..$16.99
For Phillip LaRocca, growing grapes organically includes using farming methods that nurture the soil, air and water. Cabernet Sauvignon offers harmonious flavors: full bodied and smooth with a subtle berry and floral character. Fresh and vibrant with medium tannins and a delicate oak edge, this silky, smooth wine will enhance any meal including pastas, meats and poultry.

Clos Mimi Petite Rousse Syrah – ………………………………………………………$19.99
Established in 1996 by Tim and Mimi Spear, Clos Mimi is a "très petite" winery located in Santa Maria, California. "petite rousse" is made from 100% Syrah. “A lovely interpretation of a Paso Robles-styled French Crozes-Hermitage, Clos Mimi's 2006 Petite Rousse Syrah exhibits intense raspberry, black cherry, and currant fruit interwoven with licorice and meaty/animal-like notes. With medium to full body, silky tannin, and a broad, savory mouthfeel. 90 points “ Wine Advocate

SoPo Wine Tasting March 26, 2009

2009-03-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

All From South America, all $9.99!

Árido Sauvignon Blanc - 100% Sauvignon Blanc - Bright yellow color with green hints. Aromas of citrus fruit, white flowers and a nice grassiness typical of the varietal. In the palate it is well-balanced, crisp and clean with good acidity and a firm finish.

Bodegas Callia Alta Torrontes - The grapes are cultivated from vineyards located in Caucete, at 650 meters (2,133 feet) above sea level. Bright yellow with greenish tints. A delicate aroma with floral notes of roses and orange trees. Exotic and well-balanced in the mouth; very fresh, with balanced acidity.

Oveja Negra Chardonnay/Viognier - 85% Chardonnay, 15%Viognier. The Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel and the Viognier in French Oak then blended after fermentation. A light straw color in color. Rich fruity nose of apricot, banana and green apple with subtle mineral notes. Tropical fruits, apricot and green apple flavors with a medium body and soft, elegant finish.

Árido Malbec - 90% Malbec - 10% Merlot - “Arid” in English. The vineyards where the grapes are picked for this Malbec are located in the Upper Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. This is a high desert that lies at 3,500 feet above sea level with less than 4 inches of rain per year. Intense ruby color. Delicate red fruit and violet aromas interact with classic Malbec spiciness. Soft and round in the mouth with balanced acidity and sweet tannins.

Oveja Negra Cabernet Franc/Carmenere - 55% Cabernet Franc, 45% Carmenere. An aromatic dry red wine with a light touch of oak. It is deep violet red in color with ripe cherry and raspberry aromas, along with spicy notes and green pepper with a touch of cocoa. On the palate it is medium bodied with soft, well balanced tannins, showing notes of dried red fruit and spices especially white pepper.

Bodegas Callia Alta Syrah – The vines for this wine are drip irrigated with snowmelt runoff from the Andes, providing the optimum amount of water to each plant. Notes of spices and red fruits (cherries and plums). structure, fresh and elegant mouth-feel, well-balanced with a long intense finish.

November 20th Wine Tasting

2008-11-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

Westerland Celebration White $10.99…….tasting special $9.99
Fresh topical fruit from the Chenin Blanc, complimented by cut grass from the Sauvignon Blanc, are the prominent flavors on the nose of this wine. A crisp, zesty, and fruity palate leaves the taste buds longing for more.

Westerland Celebration Red $10.99……..tasting special $9.99
This is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% old Vine Cinseault. The wine is from South Africa, now producing some of the best values in the wine world. It is a blend of new world and old world styles producing a very balanced and smooth flavor. Great with or without food.

La Dote Pinot Noir $9.99
This is find for Pinot Noir. It is from Chile but is made in a new world style. Brick red color with a garnet hue, jammy aromas of black currant and a touch of smoky oak. Flavors of plum and cherry are integrated with soft vanilla and violets. Velvety tannins and crisp acidity impart a pleasant lingering finish.

Sacred Stone Masters Red Blend $9.99
Ripe, rich, juicy and expressive, this unique California blend of Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel seduces the palate. Enjoy now or cellar for 2-8 years. A great value!

La Quercia Montepulciano D’ Abuzzo $8.99
A big, rich, bold wine with some soft tannins on the slightly earthy finish. A DOC wine made with organic grapes. Great with Pizza, Pasta, and Cheeses.

Tittarelli Dulce Natural - $9.99
This is a naturally sweet white wine. 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Torrontes from Argentina. The grapes were picked at peak ripeness and were cooled during fermentation to maintain natural residual sugars. Awesome flavors. Pairs well with spicy Asian food and light pasta, as well as cheeses and desserts. Also fun to just sip.

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Wine Tasting with SoPo October 16, 2008

2008-10-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

Rive Della Chiesa Prosecco Frizzante - $14.99
Light straw,yellow color with a nose offering hints of golden apples and ripe peaches. On the palate, a fine persistent effervescense that gives the wine a creamy texture with just the barest suggestion of ripe fruit in the finish.

Le Poulet Blanche $8.99
Fruity nose of peach, grapefruit, bananas and mango. The palate is well balanced. A wonderful delicately wooded finish. Ideal with a rocket and parmesan salad or seafood linguine.

A to Z Pinot Noir $18.99
Clear and vibrant, this wine has a beautiful dark color and aromas of mixed berries, earth, smoke, violets, Asian spices and minerals. In the mouth, the wine mirrors the aromatics with a succulent texture and good acidity. As the finish unfolds, the individual characteristics of the wine unify and augment one another. Beautifully balanced between richness and power, the wine possesses amazing depth and purity. Classically proportioned while being built with long term potential.

ÁRIDO Malbec 2006 $8.99
Intense ruby color. Delicate red fruit and violet aromas interact with classic Malbec spiciness. Soft and round in the mouth with balanced acidity and sweet tannins.

X3 Cabernet – normally $16.99, wine tasting special $15.99
The “X3” Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend from three distinct premium California counties. Each year the winemakers at X select these Cabernet Sauvignon sources to create a superb wine of elegance and distinction. The 2006 vintage was an ideal growing season with a mild summer and fall allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. Blending was a challenge only because there were so many options. In the end, this blend highlighted the fantastic aromas of dark chocolate, cedar, and dark cherry notes. There is a great balance of fruit and oak on this plush palate that makes this truly enjoyable sip after sip.

Vines on the Marycrest My Generation $24.99
45% Zinfandel, 28% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre, 9% Petite Sirah
Zinfandel from our estate vineyard and the neighboring, Remo Belli Vineyard, is blended with the classic Rhone varietals. A huge, ripe super-tanker of a wine. Round and full, this is a perfect example of the “new “ breed of Paso Robles wine.

Hitorimusume Sake (unfiltered) - $19.99
Hitorimusume "Only one Daughter" Nigori Jumai Sake - Ibaraki Prefecture, unfiltered, Slightly fruity, dry and rather quiet on the palate.

Wine Tasting, October 16

2008-10-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Yup, our second wine tasting of the fall is already upon us. October 16th, Doug Watts brings the best and coolest of his SoPo collection for our enjoyment. We've got the lineup set, just putting the finishing touches on the tasting notes.
Also, we've got a new addition to our staff. Sharon has been a partner in a catering company, and has had stints at Wild Oats and Whole Foods. We'll be looking to see what she and Chef Bill can come up with for tasting foods!

Wow! This can really be a blog now!

2008-09-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm sure you;ve noticed that our REAL website is up and running, and now we can really use this forum as a true blog; ramblings, musings, and other random remarks that come to mind.
Oh, and we'll probably also use this to post wine reviews, and such.

So, keep you eyes open, and your mind on food, and this will be lots of fun!

Pete

Holy Smokes! Check out the NEW sandwich list!

2008-05-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

Bessie 7.99
Boar's Head Roast Beef, Brie, roasted red peppers, chipotle mayo

Caprese Sandwich 6.99
Fresh Mozzarella, basil, tomato, balsamic vinegar and olive oil

Franklin 8.29
Boar's Head BBQ Chicken, Meunster, Neuske's Smoked Bacon, lettuec, tomato, chipotle mayo

Lowell 8.99
Proscuitto de Parma, fresh mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, olive oil

The Classic BLT 6.99
Neuske's Applewood Smoked Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, mayo or chipotle mayo

Rueben/Rachel 7.99
Boar's Head Corned Beef or Pastrami, on the griddle, served with sauerkraut or fresh cole slaw, dijon or Russian dressing

The L & S 7.99
Boar's Head Roast Beef, Irish Tipperary Cheddar Cheese, Shaved Red Onion

The Stimson 8.29
Boar's Head Honey Maple Turkey, Nueske's Applewood Smoked Bacon, Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato

The Menario 7.99
Boar's Head Genoa Salami, Citterio Hot Capicolla, provolone cheese, roasted tomatoes, lettuce, drizzled with oil

The Sidelinger 7.99
Boar's Head Black Forest Ham, Tallegio Cheese, Roasted Pears and honey mustard

Sierra 6.99
Your choice of Chevre, Feta or fresh Mozzarella with all the veggies you want, even pickles and olives!

2008-04-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Great Food Lives Here!
Here's what Chef Shane is cooking this week at Leavitt & Sons. Check out our Show Kitchen here.
Dinners - All of our entrees are cooked fresh by our Chef.Did you know that you can call and pre-order your dinners for the week. We'll have them packed and ready to go when you get here! All dinners are available every day this week, lots to choose from...
Chicken Alfredo
Spinach and Bleu Cheese Stuffed Pork Roulade
Grilled Portobello 'Shrooms with Rice
Mushroom Duxelle Stuffed Chicken Breast
Mac n Cheese
Italian Meat Lasagna
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Sandwiches
This week, all sandwiches can be ordered as a chef salad instead of on bread for the same price! Mazel Tov! Did you know that we can make you a Hot Pastrami or Hot Corned Beef ANYTIME?
Hot Lunch Special 7.99
Hot Virginia Ham with Gruyere, Carmelized Onions
Cold Lunch Special 7.99
Muffaletta with our house-made Olive Tapenade
All Sandwiches are served on Standard Baking Squares or Sliced Multi Grain bread or wraps
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Soups - 3 soups EVERY DAY, always a vegetarian option, below is a sample of what we'll have on hand
Small Soup 3.99, Medium 4.99, Quart 9.99
Chicken Velvet Soup
Chicken Tortilla
Asian Veggie Soup
COLD Gazpacho (we're going to WILL this warm weather to come!
....and more!
Did you know that all of our soups are made in house on our Vulcan Stove by Chef Shane (he's the guy in the chef's coat cooking at the stove!)
Deli Salads
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Broccoli Salad
Tuna Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
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Marie's Famous Cookies now available by the 1/2 dozen!
Standard Baking Baquettes are now delivered daily: $2.99
Ask about having your favorite Standard Baking bread delivered to our store for you!
Side Salads, Chef Salads, Spinach Salads with Bacon are now available CALL 207.781.3753 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR LUNCH, DINNER OR DELI MEATS

"3rd Thursday" Wine Tastings Have you been yet?
Now is the time to put our next tasting on your calendar. May 15th, Art Gonyea (the nicest guy in the wine business) will be sampling some great wines, including super summer wines.

Corporate Catering and Party Platters
Big presentation coming up with potential clients? Last minute party got you frantic? No need to worry, just give us a call and we can fix up the right platter for you.

April 17th Wine Tasting Notes

2008-04-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

3rd Thursday Wine Tasting
April 17th, 4:30-6:30pm
Casual & Complimentary (of course!)

Segura Vuidas Aria Sparkling Pinot Noir $8.99
Presents an attractive strawberry pale color, bright and transparent. This sparkler has abundant bubbles, with fruity aromas and flavors of raspberry, currant and pomegranate. It is light and has a sweet touch that spreads in the palate.
87 Points- Wine Enthusiast.

Buena Vista Carneros Chardonnay $18.99
Buena Vista is one of California's oldest premium wineries. The combination of apple, Asian pear, citrus rind, caramel and minerals screams Carneros from start to finish. Rich, pure and forward, winemaker Jeff Stewart’s Carneros Chardonnay beautifully conveys site, variety and vintage.
90 Points- Wine Enthusiast “Editors’ Choice”.

Croney Three Ton Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc $12.99
Abundant sunshine, with cool nights and a long growing season helped to build and maintain the vibrant fruit flavors for which Marlborough is famous; this full-bodied wine has aromas and flavors of lime, pear, kiwi, passion fruit, and fresh mown grass leading to a creamy textured finish. While the bulk of the wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks and rested on the lees for four months prior to bottling, a tiny portion (4%) was barrel fermented in new French oak barrels to add complexity.

Cono Sur Vision Colchugua Pinot Noir $12.99
Cono Sur Winery takes its name from the shape of South America, the “Southern Cone”. The winery is located in Chimborongo, which lies in the acclaimed Colchagua Valley of Chile. The Visión line is stylish wine with a limited production, selected for their concentration and complexity, structure and character. This wine has aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, and smoky oak.
88 Points- Wine Spectator, 86 Points- Wine Enthusiast.

Vina Dona Paula Lujan di Cuyo Malbec $12.99
Solid, with a juicy core of red plum, raspberry and red licorice flavors backed by alluring spice and floral notes on the finish.

Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap $9.99
Boekenhoutskloof (pronounced boo–ken–hoots-kloof) crafts amazing South African wines. Best known for their Chocolate Block, this winery founded in 1776 is run by winemaker Marc Kent. Dark red-black color with spice, bacon and wood on the nose. Smooth, smokey bacon and spice flavors overshadow subdued, mellow cherry and blackberry fruit. Dry, light mouthfeel with good structure and a black currant finish.

Interior photos of the store

2008-04-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Corporate Catering and Party Platters

2008-04-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

Sacred Stone Wine Review

2008-03-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

Red blends are a wonder of wine. Most, if not all of the most famous red wines are not single varietal (or single grape variety), but a blend of various grapes that all bring different flavors to the party. French Bordeaux and Italian Chianti and "Super Tuscans" come to mind immediately. But for whatever reason, it seems that most domestic wines are not blends. The rise of "Cabs", "Merlots" and "Pinots" from California, Oregon and Washington State seem to dominate the conversation when talking American wines. (Note: Although I have been drinking wine for years, nay decades, I am far from an expert, and the opinions I express are only my own. So if I'm way of base with your experiences, well, so be it.)

Since opening Leavitt & Sons last year, Marie and I have had the opportunity, if not the obligation, to drink lots and lots of wine. As SoPo Wines (a small distributor who brings lots of great wines into Maine) puts it, "we drink alot of bad wine so you don't have to". As we have expanded our repetoir from our traditional comfort zone of wine, that being Cabs, Pinots, Chardonnays, we have re-discovered the delight of great blends.

Aside from the obvious European blends mentioned above, there have been a few standouts that really caught my attention. The first was the Wolftrapp blend from South Africa. This wine was big, bold and delicious. We told everyone who came into the store about this wine, and sold a fair amount of it. It was even part of the the review Todd Richard wrote for the Portland Pheonix (you can read that review here). Unfortunately, as soon as the review came out, the wine supply dried up. The 2005 vintage was gone, and the 2006 vintage had not yet arrived (we're STILL waiting for it to get here!). Fortunately for us, along came Mariner Beverages and The Sacred Stone from Petra Santa Vineyards.

Tim, the owner of Mariner Beverage (who, like SoPo brings great small winery wines into Maine) told me about this wine last week. Even from the description I had a good feeling about this one. An even blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, with some Cab, Syrah and a little Granache, it sounded delicious. When my first case came in, I immediately took a bottle for home that night.

Sacred Stone is a domestic blend from the California coast, about 25 miles from Monterray. The owners of the Peitra Santa vineyard write: "Warm, sunny days here are moderated by cool ocean breezes creating an ideal climate for grape growing. The Valley is crisscrossed by the San Andreas Fault whose subterranean movements over the years filled the soils with limestone and granite deposits. These rocky soils stress the vines and add interesting and unique flavors to the wines. The estate was first developed in the 1850s, and the wines benefit from the estate's granite and limestone soils, much like soils found in the best vineyards in the world. The winery is named Pietra Santa or "Sacred Stone" in honor of these unique soils."

With a great pasta dinner of Al Dente pasta and Pembertons sauce, this wine is my newest addition to the $10 favorites list.

The vineyards tasting notes are very accurate, and do better justice to describing this wine than I could!

"Dark ruby in color, with warm, plummy aromas, a hint of raisins and a dash of spice; floral and peppery notes on the nose carry over to the palate with a burst of fragrant pepper and bright red fruit. Full bodied, tart and somewhat tannic, with an intriguing minerality lurking behind the forward fruit and peppery spice. Powerful alcohol (14.8%) leaves a distinct warmth in the finish. Made by a California producer and bearing no regional appellation or vintage, it's described as a "Rhone-style blend," with Syrah, Carignan, Grenache and the less characteristically Rhonish Sangiovese and Zinfandel."

We have lots of this wine available, for only $9.99.

Wine Tasting March 20 Wine Descriptions

2008-03-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Rive Della Chiesa Prosecco Frizzante - $14.99
Light straw,yellow color with a nose offering hints of golden apples and ripe peaches. On the palate, a fine persistent effervescense that gives the wine a creamy texture with just the barest suggestion of ripe fruit in the finish.
A to Z Pinot Noir -$18.99
Clear and vibrant, this wine has a beautiful dark color and aromas of mixed berries, earth, smoke, violets, Asian spices and minerals. In the mouth, the wine mirrors the aromatics with a succulent texture and good acidity. As the finish unfolds, the individual characteristics of the wine unify and augment one another. Beautifully balanced between richness and power, the wine possesses amazing depth and purity. Classically proportioned while being built with long term potential.
Mas de Guiot Grenache/Syrah - $12.99
This small château is is owned and operated by the Cornut family. Sylvia is the oenologist, with François tending to the vineyards, using no synthetic herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers on any of his vineyards or crops. The fruit is always picked late, ensuring very deep, profound wines, with amazingly soft tannins. The blend for this bottling is 40% Grenache and 60% Syrah, both grown at very low yields and hand-harvested. This is a very sexy wine with strong concentration. Bottled unfiltered.
Prima Toro - $19.99
Youthful purple. Spicy cherry and dark chocolate aromas are underscored by zesty minerals and orange zest. Sweet raspberry and kirsch flavors are impressively pure and deep, showing an energetic personality. Gains sweetness on the long, spicy finish. This outstanding value offers the complexity of wines costing much more.
Razor's Edge Shiraz - $12.99
Smooth and round, with ripe plum, blackberry and dusky spice flavors that just don't quit, lingering on the open-textured finish.
Niepoort Tawny Port - $17.99
Medium amber color, followed by notes of roasted nuts, sweet black cherries and strawberries, and hints of maple syrup as well as maple syrup.

Leavitt & Sons Sandwich Menu

2008-03-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

The L & S 7.99
Boar's Head Roast Beef, Irish Tipperary Cheddar Cheese, Shaved Red Onion
The Stimson 8.29
Boar's Head Honey Maple Turkey, Nueske's Applewood Smoked Bacon, Swiss Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato
The Menario 7.99
Boar's Head Genoa Salami, Citterio Hot Capicolla, provolone cheese, roasted tomatoes, lettuce, drizzled with oil
The Sidelinger 7.99
Boar's Head Black Forest Ham, Tallegio Cheese, Roasted Pears and honey mustard
Sierra 6.99
Your choice of Chevre, Feta or fresh Mozzarella with all the veggies you want, even pickles and olives!

Hot and Cold Lunch Specials change weekly! Be sure to check your weekly e-mail, or go to www.LeavittAndSons.com to sign up.

TerraGens Sangiovese 2005

2008-03-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

Sangiovese is a red grape variety originating in Italy whose name derives from sanguis Jovis, "the blood of Jupiter". The traditional home of Sangiovese is in Tuscany, although it has spread to other regions of Italy. It can be found as a varietal, in single-variety wine such as Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino, or Sangiovese di Romagna, although Sangiovese is most often found as the major component of blends such as Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Morellino di Scansano.

The fruit is slow to mature and late-ripening. With relatively thin skins, it has a tendency to rot in dampness and does not mature well if planted above an elevation of 1,500 feet. Sangiovese is strongly influenced by terroir, with much variation from one area to the next. Sangiovese vineyards with limestone soil seem to produce wines with more forceful aromas.

The hot, dry climate, such as Tuscany provides, is where sangiovese thrives. Because these climatic criteria generally enhance quantity, rather than quality, it takes careful cultivation and winemaking techniques to produce really excellent wine from this grape.

The flavor profile of Sangiovese is fruity, with moderate to high natural acidity and generally a medium-body ranging from firm and elegant to assertive and robust and a finish that can tend towards bitterness. The aroma is generally not as assertive and easily identifiable as Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, but can have a strawberry, blueberry, faintly floral, violet or plummy character.

Sangiovese-based wines vary in texture from light and crispy to heavy and slightly oily. The lighter versions pair well with cured meats, some fuller grilled fish, poultry and veal. A heavy Sangiovese, such as a Brunello or Chianti Classico, is a successful accompaniment to meats like steak, wild boar or even aged, pungent cheeses.

TERRAGENS SANGIOVESE DI ROMAGNA D.O.C. SUPERIORE, 2005
Ruby-red color, strong fruity perfume with hints of cherry, violet and fruit jam, all balanced by vanilla and cacao flavors; harmonious, dry and velvety taste, warm and full on the palate with a long aftertaste.

Marie very aptly summed it up with “Tastes like Italy”.

Favorite Family Recipes

2008-03-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

Do you have a family recipe that has been passed down for generations? I don't, my mom threw them all away! So, can I borrow some of yours?

Dona Paula 2006 Malbec Estate

2008-03-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

Ahhh, Malbec.
Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, this grape is among the "big six" for red wine grapes. However, its fame and fortune often end there. In France it is generally a grape used for blending, with very little vine being devoted to its improvement or success.

The story in Argentina is quite the opposite. Malbec has found renewed acclaim and initial glory in the sun-drenched climate of Argentina. This is Argentina's signature grape and it is quickly making a new name for itself with red wine lovers. The Malbec grape is a thin skinned grape and needs more sun and heat than either Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot to mature. The prolonged growing season for the grapes in this high desert, which can have 50 percent more growing days than cool Bordeaux, makes the tannins in the Malbecs from Mendoza sweet and approachable. In Mendoza, under the shadow of the Andes Mountains, the grape enjoys its vacation from the more moderate climate of the Medoc. Here, there are hot summer temperatures and the grape is left hanging long into the growing season to ripen and soften its rough tannins. It ripens "midseason" and it can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to Claret blends. The wines are rich, dark and juicy. As a varietal it creates a rather inky red (or violet), intense wine, so it is also commonly used in blends, such as with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create the renowned red French Bordeaux blend.

Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Malbec is typically a medium to full-bodied red wine. Ripe fruit flavors of plums and blackberry give it a jammy characteristic. The tannins are typically a bit tight and the earthy, wood-like appeal makes for a fairly rustic wine.

Today's Review
Producer : Doña Paula
Method of Production : Handpicked grapes from 35-year-old vines were destemmed, partially crushed (20% were left as whole berries and went through carbonic maceration) and cold soaked for 48 hours. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks for eight days at 25°C, with the wine left in tank for a further six days to undergo malolactic conversion. The wine was then pressed from the skins and 20% was aged in new French and American oak barrels for six months. It was bottled without being fined or filtered
Characteristics: Intense red color with violet hues. Complex aromas with ripe plums, blackberry, blueberry, sweet tar, licorice, black pepper, mint, truffle with a hint of mocha flavors, giving an expressive and typical Argentinean character. It has sweet and smooth tannins, nice body with supple and long finish.

From Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2006 Malbec Estate was aged in new French and American oak for 12 months. Deep crimson in color, the wine has a slightly muted nose of cedar, spice box, black cherry and cassis. This leads to a medium-bodied, elegant Malbec with a silky texture and light tannins. It should evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2016. It is a good value." (Dec. 2007)

From Wine Spectator: "Solid, with a juicy core of red plum, raspberry and red licorice flavors backed by alluring spice and floral notes on the finish. Drink now through 2008." (Oct. 31. 2007)
From Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Aromas of dark raspberry, licorice, minerals and spicy oak, lifted by a violet topnote. Sweet but firm on entry, then a supple fruit bomb in the middle palate, offering juicy flavors of dark raspberry, blackberry and violet. Perhaps a bit youthfully bound-up, but this clean, intensely flavored wine finishes with seamless tannins and very good length."

Pete's Notes: before dinner—more spice, tar and tobacco than fruit and berries, solid tannins on the side of tongue
With steak dinner, perfect compliment, protein/fat smooths out ‘rough’ notes, brings out more of the ripe berry and juiciness…better with food than without