Wine pioneer Robert Mondavi has passed away at 94.

[Shakespeare]

Pour some out for the vino homie tonight. :cry:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080516/ap_on_re_us/obit_mondavi

Robert Mondavi, the pioneering vintner who helped put California wine country on the map, died at his Napa Valley home Friday. He was 94. Mondavi died peacefully at his home in Yountville, Robert Mondavi Winery spokeswoman Mia Malm said.

He was 52 and a winemaking veteran in 1966, when he opened the winery that would help turn the Napa Valley into a world center of the industry. Clashes with a brother that included a fistfight led him to break from the family business to carry out his ambitious plans with borrowed money.

At the time, 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.

Later there was a bittersweet family moment when Robert and Peter Mondavi, aided by members of the younger generation, made wine together for the first time in 40 years. Using a 50-50 split of grapes from Robert Mondavi and Peter Mondavi family vineyards, the brothers made one barrel of a cabernet blend that sold for $401,000 at the 2005 Napa Valley wine auction.

[Left Is Write]

1. I have a bottle of Mondavi Cab in the kitchen right now.

If I weren't already nursing a martini, I'd have a glass in his honor.

[Midlodemocrat]

2. Hang on. Does that stuff come in a box?

Series. Condolences to his family. The fact that I don't know a good wine from a shitty wine shouldn't mean jack.

[Robeson]

3. 94?!? He's testament for drinking wine....

...:beer: