And yes, the name of the wines really is Barrel Sample! In what I consider very innvotive packaging, the bottles of wine are missing the typical foil wrapper on top and the big wide sticker. Instead, each bottle has a clean cork visible on top, no wrapper needed. Instead of the standard wine sticker, there is a very cool and trendy ‘hang tag’ that dangles from the top denoting the type of wine, lot number, PH Level, alcohol content and other important wine notes.
This bottle is super eye-catching and complemented my table decor.
My guests took their glasses of 2013 Barrel Sample Chardonnay outside to enjoy with Supannee’s Summer Rolls. The Barrel Sample Chardonnay has crisp green apple and citrus notes on the initial taste, followed by a creamy buttery finish. The smooth Chardonnay was well balanced and really paired well with the crisp vegetables and shrimp stuffed inside the rice wrapper summer rolls and peanut sauce.
After appetizers, we sat down to eat dinner. I actually had to disappear for about 5 minutes as I quickly microwaved some of the entrees such as Red Curry with Tofu, Green Curry, Eggplant Delight with Veggies and Pineapple rice actually served in a pineapple. I also plated up the spicy tangy green mango salad.
The 2013 Barrel Sample Pinot Noir had been opened about 30 minutes prior, so it had plenty of time to aerate, if it even really needed to. I honestly felt as if it was quite drinkable the minute I took out the cork! My guests and I really enjoyed the bright cherry flavors and light smooth finish. The soft tannins are a great match for spicy Thai food, as it did not overpower the food. The pinot was thoroughly enjoyed throughout all the entrees!
Thank you to Barrel Sample Wines & the Coomber Family Wines for hosting wine to be reviewed. These are great wines that were greatly enjoyed and my guest and I will be sure to have these as ‘go to’ bottles for entertaining! The Barrel Sample wines may be ordered on Amazon. You must be 21 to order and consume wine.
Thank you to Supannee for SDThai.com for your amazing Thai food, dedication to fresh local ingredients and being the hardest working person I know in the San Diego Restaurant scene!