WINE and more at WOLF TRAP--a special food and wine event(5-19-12)

Even though we were dieting (and I am starting to regret it today), it was my birthday on Saturday and I really wanted to go to the annual WINE AT WOLF TRAP event which is a terrific catered dinner with wine AND music pairings, as well as a silent auction of some superb wines. On arrival we enjoyed some of the small hor's d'oevres which were served with a slightly sweet Proscecco, that I dumped fast for sparkling water (see how good I was, for an hour at least!). The best were the little potatoes with dollops of Lobster as well as some light puff pastry shells with sour cream and a dollop of caviar. I passed the bread on the yummy garlic carpaccio and left many of the others. We sat down with a super group of people to enjoy a terrific meal and then headed to the bidding table ending up with a 40+year old bottle of vintage port! Grilled Black Cod with Celery Root Puree, toasted Hazelnuts and Huckleberry Gelee was a nice, but simple dish served with a wonderful crisp, but aromatic 2010 Villa Antinori Bianco Toscano IGT Spring Pea Risotto had a crisped slice of Golden Baby Beet with truffle oil and was quite yummy, though we tried not to eat all the al dente carbs! The 2010 Castello della Sala Bramito del Cervo Chard from Umbria was just right from its touch of oak (5 months)--all the wines were from Antinori. I think my favorite course was the DUCK BREAST with Fennel Puree that was so mild it could have been potato. A single slice of Hash Brown was crunchy and yummy, but the rare duck was divine, especially with the 2008 Villa Antinori Toscano Red IGT which is a steal at around $20! Hickory Lamb Loin came with Creamy Cheddar Polenta (just a taste) and Apple Cider Reduction and Brussels Sprout Leaves. The meats all night were truly the best quality and here the tasty lamb was paired with two divine reds: 2007 Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva that was best with the meat and 2006 Pain delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino that was aged so beautifully, yet so smooth, I savored it all on its own. Braised Rhubarb with Celery Ribbon and Sheep's Milk Frozen Yogurt was a novel deconstructed type dessert that got a bite or two, but I resisted the rich yogurt. A 2007 Vinsanto Tenute Marchese Antinori was a nice choice with lots of acidity, yet not lacking sweetness like some Vin Santos. What a superb night and I know we will return next year!