Robert Mondavi put the California wine country on the global map. This pioneering vintner died today, Friday, May 16, 2008. He was 94. He died peacefully at his Napa Valley home in Yountville.
In 1966, Robert Mondavi was 52-years-old and a winemaking veteran. His winery helped turn the Napa Valley into a world center of the industry. Mondavi has been described as an exceptional pioneer and a legendary pathfinder.
When Mondavi opened his winery, California was still primarily known for cheap jug wines. But he set out to change that, championing use of cold fermentation, stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels, all commonplace in the industry today. He introduced blind tastings in Napa Valley, putting his wines up against French vintages, a bold move.
His confidence was rewarded in 1976 when California wines beat some well-known French vintages in the famous tasting known as the Judgment of Paris.
Always convinced that California wines could compete with the European greats, Mondavi engaged in the first French-American wine venture when he formed a limited partnership with the legendary French vintner Baron Philippe de Rothschild to grow and make the ultra-premium Opus One at Oakville. The venture's first vintage was in 1979.~ap
RIP Robert Mondavi. Mr. Mondavi was a visionary and is a true inspiration.
Here is a beautiful video tribute to Mondavi and his winery, below. Enjoy!
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