Luminaries Remember Robert Mondavi
"Chez Panisse opened in 1971 with three wines. One was a Sauternes; two were Robert Mondavi’s. I was a Francophile, and they tasted like French wines. Robert and Margrit came in all the time. They confirmed that what we were trying to do was something special. Wine and food go together, and he was always thinking of that."
"Mondavi’s philosophy can be summarized in words he used to repeat: ‘In winemaking we are always at the beginning.’ Each time we met was a reason for me to learn something new technically and a source of enthusiasm to find new paths to improve our wines. He was a visionary protagonist far beyond the boundaries of the time in which he lived."
"Robert Mondavi was a real Renaissance man, but it wasn’t just about him. Both Robert and his wife Margrit supported the community of the Valley, especially their work with charities. Not only was he a great winemaker and an amazing figure in hospitality, but he always gave back to the community."
"From my first visit, I was struck by the challenge Robert Mondavi posed: to make Cabernet Sauvignon the variety capable of expressing that Napa Valley wines could compete with the great wines of Bordeaux. He became the most distinguished and fascinating spokesperson to announce the glorious future that was unfolding for California wine."
"The art of perfection was in Robert Mondavi. He was a man of character, strong willed. He was an inspiration not only for his wine but for the vision he had for American winemaking. And in the early days of the American movement in the kitchen, he was the most instrumental person in promoting chefs. He really made me feel special."
"I think the Mondavis were pioneers in introducing the American public to the pleasures of drinking good wine with good food. As California developed its own style of cuisine, the Mondavis continued to develop wines that complemented that cuisine. Many of their wines are comparable to the finest French wines, and Robert was very proud of that fact.”
"He wanted to hear what people had to say. I was a young somm, and he said, ‘Serve me the best Chardonnay you can think of. Let’s compare it to my new wine, so I can learn from you.’ I brought out a Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru and thought Mondavi’s wine was better, so I learned from him."
"Mr. Mondavi was a true promoter. He took it on his shoulders to help people believe that we could make world-class wines in California. He fervently believed it himself. And he helped America see that wine was a gracious part of living, a part of the fabric of family and community."
Mondavi’s philosophy can be summarized in words he used to repeat: ‘In winemaking we are always at the beginning.’ He was a visionary protagonist far beyond the boundaries of the time in which he lived.
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