A Legacy Moves On
|
By now you've probably heard about Robert Mondavi's death. His passing has been covered widely in wine publications and industry journals as well as national radio and television. His accomplishments were legendary and his foresight paved the way for an entire industry, the fine wine industry. For me, his death is more symbolic. Robert Mon It saddens me to think about the tragic twists the Mondavi family took in the last decade or so. There are poignant lessons for families such as ours the result of rapid expansion, loss of control, going public, spreading oneself too thin, dilution of quality, and family dysfunction. I understand there were huge rifts between father and children and my fondest hope would be that the family had heeled these wounds prior to Mr. Mondavi's passing. Otherwise, what good is the creation of a legacy without the love and harmony of one's family? About 10 years ago I had my only Mondavi encounter. Not with Bob, but rather with son Michael. I had just developed our Endeavour Cabernet label. We were very excited about coming up with the name Endeavour (Captain Cook's ship that sailed around Cape Horn) until I found out that Mondavi Winery was also using the name for a holding company they owned. Without their blessing, I couldn't trademark the name, nor would it have been wise to continue to use it. So, I wrote a letter and sent it to the winery. About 2 weeks later I received a call on my cell phone. I was in my skivvies in a dressing room at Banana Republic go figure. Michael had called to say it would be just fine to use the name and by the way, could he taste a bottle! I was very happy and relieved. He sent a lovely handwritten note after, which I still have today. I truly wish the remaining heirs much success, health and happiness. May their father's hopes and dreams continue to live on. |
davi and others who've passed before him (Rodney Strong, Hans Kornel, Joe Heitz) were the inspiration of the next generation of vintners, the David Stare's of the world. I can remember sitting around the dinner table and hearing my parents talk about Mr. Mondavi. They spoke of him with great respect and admiration. They too wanted to share in the dream of producing world class wines from a largely unheard of place in the world. (Remember - back then France was the dominant player and few if any other regions rivaled French wines in terms of quality or quantity.) My folks even named their debut release, a mere 350 cases of 1972 Sauvignon Blanc, Fumé Blanc, upon seeing the success Mr. Mondavi was having with his newly coined term. 4 Comments
Leave a comment
welcome!
This is a blog about what it's really like to be in the wine industry...so sit back, take a sip and enjoy!
about me
our wines
our winery
our events
contact me
privacy statement
favorite posts
A Lifetime in Wine
Top 10 Traits of the Successful Family Winery
The Dreaded Family Meeting
Board Meeting Jitters
Is the Future of the Winery in Danger?
The Case of the Overweight Bottle
Wine and Dementia
Wanted: Talented (Normal) Individual for Family Owned Winery
A Sea of Wine
The Heroes of Our Industry
monthly archives
subscribe
Hopes & Dreams
Owning a Coastal Cottage
Sailing for 6 Months
Getting a 100 Point Score
Favorite Haunts
Coast of Maine
Dry Creek General Store
Dry Creek Kitchen
Healdsburg Bar & Grill
Spoonbar
Sonoma Country Antiques
Baci Cafe & Wine Bar
The Farmhouse
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
Bad Ass Coffee
Bistro Ralph
Bits of Press
Food & Wine Magazine
The Wine News
Wine Enthusiast
Wine Spectator
Press Democrat
Sunset Magazine
Connoisseurs' Guide
Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences
Cruising World Magazine
Oprah Magazine
The Washington Post
Coastal Living Magazine
Wine & Spirits Magazine
People Magazine
SAG Awards Magazine
Forbes Magazine
Favorite Magazines
Coastal Living
Down East
Sunset
Country Living
Quarterly Review of Wines
Wines & Vines
Wine Spectator
Wine Enthusiast
California Grapevine
Connoisseurs' Guide
Practical Winery & Vineyard
WineReviewOnline
Vineyard & Winery Mgmt
Blog Buddy List
Fermentation
Hip Tastes
Pinot Blogger
All The Best
Julia Flynn Siler
Vinography
Winery Web Site Report
The Pour - Eric Asimov
Dr Vino
Steve Heimoff
Start Up Ladies
Good Wine Under $20
Blind Muscat
The Wineroad Blog
Gabe's View
Wine Peeps
Vici Vino
Cellarmistress' Cellar Talk
Uncork Life
WineVine-Imports Blog
The Wine Witch
SOURMASHED
Honorable Mentions
Fermentation
Wilma Hits The World of Blogs
Most Intriguing New Wine Blogs of 2008
Midwest Wine Guy
Winery of the Month
Julia Flynn Siler
Meritage wines - and a fascinating glimpse into family business
Winery Web Site Report
New Winery Blog: Wilma's Wine World
Start Up Ladies
Insider's View of Family Owned Dry Creek Vineyard
The Glue that Keeps the Whole Thing Going
Atlanta Dish
Blog of the Week
Blind Muscat
The Merits of Meritage
Wineries.net
Boston Wine Expo exhibitors, and the reason why winemakers are so darn happy
Jay Ehret said:
May 26, 2008 5:26 AM
About 5-6 years back I interviewed Michael Mondavi for a local wine & food radio show I hosted and produced. It was close to Easter and Michael said he had intentions of sipping some White Zinfandel over ice that weekend. On our next trip to Napa he put us up in his place at Silverado Resort. He was engaging, generous and humble.
JohnLopresti
May 27, 2008 2:37 PM
The images of RAMondavi usually accompanying articles are dignified, thoughtful. Once in a local paper I saw a photo of RMondavi during his time studying in a temple patio which was nicely landscaped, in Asia, in garb looking quite the student of asceticism, lanky, and surprisingly, very energetic and distinctly optimistic. It gave me insight into the source of the passionate interest in personal excellence which he brought to US winemaking soon following those formative young adult years.
Kim (aka Wilma)
May 27, 2008 10:06 PM
You're right. I don't think I've ever heard a negative word said about this iconic man. I'm still planning on reading Julia Flynn Siler's book on him and maybe I'll have a different opinion following that. In the meantime, we should all be greatful for his life's work...I know it greatly influenced my family and countless others in the wine industry today.
Dave said:
May 30, 2008 9:27 PM
Thank you for mentioning the other pioneers in the domestic wine business. I had the opportunity to spend a meal with Rodney Strong and it ranks as one of the highlights of my 16 years in this business. Truly and enjoyable man and one of the 'characters' of the industry.
I would be remiss if I didn't also mention Mr. Strong's good friend Todd Williams (Dr. Toad of Toad Hollow). I was saddened to learn of his death a while back.
Dave