Friday night with the in-laws: Huneeus wine dinner at the country club

We spent Friday evening with G's parents at the Army Navy Country Club annual wine dinner. It was cute and the old, tired club made a good effort. The menu was decent, but the wine was fantastic.  The showcased vintner was Huneeus. They paired outstanding wines with each course.

The Huneeus family has roots in Chile, but is now established in Napa. At the display table: Veramonte Sauv Blanc (Chile), Illumination Sauv Blanc (Napa), Primus Red Blend, (Chile), Faust Cab (Napa), Quintessa Red Blend (Napa), and Veramonte Rose of Syrah (a port/fortified wine - Chile) 

 

We started with cheese and other little apps, including passed Arctic Char canapé . Had it with the Veramonte Sauv Blanc (which was just okay). 

We sat at table 4.

 

Fabulous hearts of palm, pomello and pink grapefruit salad in tamarind-chive dress. Stunningly delicate and nuanced, paired SO well with the Illumination Sauv Blanc (a fantastic, crisp, yet dense style)

 

Sardinian Asfodello Honey Lacquered Breast of Long Island Duckling in saffron orange sauce over grilled polenta. Yummy flavors, the duck was a bit overdone and tough; I prefer rare to medium rare. It was paired with the Primus Red Blend (Chile). Not bad.

 

Main cours of Hickory Smoked Wisconsin Lamb Chop with mashed potatoes (I think they were from a box!), Chinese eggplant a la Parmesan, corn tuille, and asparagus. This had little flavor and was, again, overcooked. Lamb really should be served more rare. But the effort and plating were nice. Served with Quintessa Red Blend (FANTASTIC!!!) and the Faust Cabernet (which was nice, but I liked the Quintessa better).

 

Yummy white chocolate and ricotta mouse in strawberry soup and Sicilian Pistachios --TOTALLY YUMMY! Served with an okay port/fortified Veramonte, Reserva Rose of Syrah.

Handmade chocolate truffles and shortbread cookies. The truffles were soft and nice.

I think G's parents had a nice time, as did we. We all agreed that the food could have been a bit better, but the effort was notable for this old club. The flavors and presentation were good, just wish the meats were prepared more rare. But great ideas and great wine.