A final toast
Merrill Shindler reports.
| More 'Front Burner' articles in this issue |
| Mango madness |
| Coming of age |
| Coup de foie gras |
| The summer of Slow Food |
| The real thing |
| Sad good-bye |
Yountville, California—The day after the passing of legendary California winemaker Robert Mondavi at his home on May 16, the newspaper headlines—many of them front page headlines—spoke volumes:
Los Angeles Times: "Robert Mondavie, 94; Vintner Was a Powerful Ambassador for California Wine."
New York Times: "Robert Mondavi, Napa Wine Champion, Dies at 94."
Washington Post: "Robert Mondavi, 94; Noted Vintner Who Raised Quality of American Wine."
And, of course, on the online edition of Wine Spectator: "Robert Mondavi Dies at Age of 94; Visionary Vintner Helped Usher in a New Era for California Wine."
Which should be coupled with wine writer James Laube's blog: "Why There Will Never Be Another Robert Mondavi." And publisher Marvin Shanken's blog: "A Legend Lives On."
The accomplishments of Robert Mondavi cannot be overstated. he didn't just put California wines on the map—he put them on the global map. He worked to change the nomenclature of wines, turning "red," "white," and "rosé" into wines that were labeled by their dominant varietals; when you drink a California Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Noir, you have Mondavi to thank.
But mostly, he committed himself—tirelessly, relentlessly—to making wine that was great. World-class wine. Wine that could stand up to the Big Boys of France. And he did it with an often contentious style worthy of the prime time soap opera Falcon Crest. His family feuds were as fabled as his wines—and just as colorful. He was the antithesis of the corporate winemaker—he was a Man in Full. Laube was right on the money—there really will never be another Robert Mondavi.
