Salute!

Robert Mondavi, the charismatic Napa Valley vintner whose work helped establish California wines as among the world's best, died this morning.

He was 94 years old.




Throughout his lifetime, Robert Mondavi successfully developed a number of premium wines that earned the respect of wine drinkers and fellow vintners around the globe.

In 1966, he founded the Robert Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley with the goal of producing wines that would rival the finest wines of Europe.

In the 80s he entered into a joint venture the Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild to create Opus One Winery.

I have a modest 35-bottle collection of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noirs. By far, the crown jewel of my collection sits in the middle of my wine fridge for a very special day. It is a bottle of Opus One 1998*




* Supple and lush, the 1998 Opus One shows an opaque purple color and intense aromas of blackberries, vanilla, and roasted espresso.

Can you dig it?

I think that his longevity is proof positive that happiness and red wine consumption (in moderation) can go a long way towards an extended and healthy life.

I raise a glass to you sir.

I am fairly sure you made it to heaven.

We all know how much Jesus loved to get his drink on.