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Robert Mondavi

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SteveEdmunds

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Robert Mondavi

by SteveEdmunds » Fri May 16, 2008 2:25 pm

I just learned that Robert Mondavi died early this morning, at age 94. I worked for his winery for a year, back in the mid-70's, and got to know him a bit, and I can say, in hindsight, it was in no small part his vision and drive, and his success that made it possible for someone like me to even imagine being able to explore winemaking in the manner that I have. He was larger than life, in a way, and we're all better off for his having been among us.
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Mark Lipton

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by Mark Lipton » Fri May 16, 2008 3:09 pm

Steve Edmunds wrote:I just learned that Robert Mondavi died early this morning, at age 94. I worked for his winery for a year, back in the mid-70's, and got to know him a bit, and I can say, in hindsight, it was in no small part his vision and drive, and his success that made it possible for someone like me to even imagine being able to explore winemaking in the manner that I have. He was larger than life, in a way, and we're all better off for his having been among us.


Thanks for the update, Steve. It's sad to witness the passing of one of the last of that generation of CA winemakers. I can't imagine that his last few years were all that fun, seeing all that he'd worked for taken away from him, but his imprint on the industry he left behind is undeniable.

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JC (NC)

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by JC (NC) » Fri May 16, 2008 4:03 pm

Looks like I may be opening a Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon this weekend in tribute to a great man.
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Dale Williams

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by Dale Williams » Fri May 16, 2008 4:12 pm

The loss of one of the true pioneers of American wine. Can't do it tonight, but will open a Mondavi CS (alas, no Reserves in my cellar).
The family had its struggles, but truly at the heart of the Napa story.
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Jenise

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by Jenise » Fri May 16, 2008 4:26 pm

My best friend worked for the Mondavi winery during the winery's prime and was in a position close to all the Mondavi clan. She has many stories of her time there much of which doesn't show the sons in very good light, but for Mr. Mondavi she's shown nothing but praise and respect. Clearly, he was bigger than life even to those who saw him every day. Of few men can that be said.
My wine shopping and I have never had a problem. Just a perpetual race between the bankruptcy court and Hell.--Rogov
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ChefJCarey

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by ChefJCarey » Fri May 16, 2008 5:25 pm

Shame. I hate to see the good ones go. They are so few.

I edited this post.

I originally said I was going to pop a '90 PR in his honor for tonight.

But, then when I realized he was 94 I decided the 94 PR would be more appropriate. That's what it'll be.

Here's to a classy fellow!
Last edited by ChefJCarey on Fri May 16, 2008 5:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Bruce Hayes

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by Bruce Hayes » Fri May 16, 2008 5:26 pm

Wow.
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Robert Reynolds

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by Robert Reynolds » Fri May 16, 2008 8:45 pm

Steve Edmunds wrote:I just learned that Robert Mondavi died early this morning, at age 94. I worked for his winery for a year, back in the mid-70's, and got to know him a bit, and I can say, in hindsight, it was in no small part his vision and drive, and his success that made it possible for someone like me to even imagine being able to explore winemaking in the manner that I have. He was larger than life, in a way, and we're all better off for his having been among us.

I heard this on NPR as I was driving home this evening. RIP Mr. Mondavi.
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David M. Bueker

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by David M. Bueker » Fri May 16, 2008 10:27 pm

So long to a pioneer and a true gentleman.
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Michael Russell

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by Michael Russell » Sat May 17, 2008 12:49 am

I was saddened to learn about Robert Mondavi's death. What a character; what a wonderful ambassador for California's heavenly nectar. I only hope that Continuum lives up to the man, the myth, the wine legend: Robert Mondavi. RIP Robert Mondavi: thank you!
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Rahsaan

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by Rahsaan » Sat May 17, 2008 1:08 am

As a coincidence, I had been planning to open the 1997 Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon tonight, and, this made it more poignant. Although, it was much better than I expected. For whatever that's worth.
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Lou Kessler

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by Lou Kessler » Sat May 17, 2008 6:59 pm

The most effective and revered spokesman the CA wine industry has ever had. My wife and I were fortunate to receive an invitation to his 90th birthday party at his winery a few years ago. Bob never did anything half way, what a class shindig.
When I went to lunch at Don Giovanni yesterday( a restaurant that he attended frequently) the locals were quieter than usual. A sad day. :(
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Jon Leifer

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by Jon Leifer » Sun May 18, 2008 10:53 am

We toasted the life and many contributions of Robert Mondavi last night with the 1994 Robt Mondavi Res Cab,a wonderful wine, a wonderful man..
Jon
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ChefJCarey

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Re: Robert Mondavi

by ChefJCarey » Sun May 18, 2008 6:51 pm

Jon Leifer wrote:We toasted the life and many contributions of Robert Mondavi last night with the 1994 Robt Mondavi Res Cab,a wonderful wine, a wonderful man..


Me, too. Cheers.
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