About Laurier wines

Laurier is one of more than a hundred brands within Bronco Wine Company’s portfolio. Laurier wines include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley plus this Pinot Noir and a Chardonnay from the Sonoma County portion of Carneros. Many of Bronco’s wines are famously low-priced. However, the Laurier Pinot Noir carries a list price of $20.

Founded in 1973 by Fred, Joseph and John Franzia, Bronco focuses on producing mass-market, ready-to-drink wines. As of 2009, Bronco Wine Company was the fourth largest wine producer in the United States, behind E & J Gallo, The Wine Group and Constellation Brands. Annual production at Bronco exceeds 20 million cases of wine, though some of that is sold to other wineries rather than being bottled under a Bronco Brand. [Franzia is not among Bronco’s brands. That brand was sold to Coca-Cola by the Franzia family in the early 1970’s and is now belongs to The Wine Group.]

2007 Laurier Pinot Noir Los Carneros review

The 2007 Laurier Pinot Noir Los Carneros is a genuinely good, light-bodied Pinot Noir. It is a decent buy from a quality-standpoint at $20. In fact, Wine & Spirits Magazine rated it a Best Buy in December, 2010. However, the main reason I’m calling your attention to the wine now is that Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa has some they’re selling at $6.99. (I just checked with them for inventory and they say they have “plenty of it.”) The lowest price I’ve found on on this wine elsewhere is $10. If good, very restrained, Pinot Noir for $7 a bottle is interesting too you, read on and then grab your wallet.

The 2007 Laurier Pinot Noir Los Carneros is light ruby in color with gentle aromas of dry herb, sandalwood and raspberry. Palate weight is shy of medium, owing to light tannins, moderate richness of fruit and alcohol that is only 12.5% — remarkably low alcohol for a Carneros Pinot Noir. The wine has freshness that complements, but does not require, food. Flavors echo the nose with delicate raspberry and dry herb.

The 2007 Laurier Pinot Noir is a well-made wine. It is light, but balanced in all aspects. It has attractive flavors and is varietally-correct, though with subtlety more common to Europe than California. The winemaker has not used any tricks to try to make it more than it wanted to be. It isn’t a “wow” wine, but it’s honest and enjoyable. It will do well at the dinner table. Serve it with quail and light chicken dishes or grilled vegetables. Drink now through 2012. Recommended.

2007 Laurier Pinot Noir Los Carneros
Rating: Recommended

Drink: Now through 2012
Release Date: January, 2010

Retail Price: $20.00, now available for $6.99
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Origin: Los Carneros, Sonoma County
Alcohol: 12.5%

Closure: Composite cork

The wine above was purchased for review.

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