The visionary vintner, who died May 16, helped usher in a new
era for California wine, bringing the state to international
prominence along with his famous namesake winery.
He was 94.

Robert Mondavi, a visionary winemaker and brilliant marketer who helped lead California wine into international prominence, died at 9 a.m. today at home in Yountville, Calif. He was 94.

What an amazing man he was!  I heard a bit before noon today that he had died and was deeply sad, as he has been a wine icon as long as I can remember.

Outspoken, energetic and charismatic, Mondavi was one of the most influential and admired winemakers in California history. He was the driving force behind his namesake winery in Napa Valley, which he established in 1966 and which for years was the most famous winery in California, until it was sold in 2004.

In a career that spanned eight decades, Mondavi often led by example, setting lofty goals for his winery and inspiring California winemakers to make wines that would compete with the best in the world. His name, influence and passion for wine and life spread well beyond Napa and California. Winemakers around the world credited Mondavi with encouraging them to set higher standards and make better wines.

A tireless global traveler with an inquisitive mind, Mondavi began visiting the great vineyards and cellars of Europe in the 1960s, when California wine was on the verge of a renaissance. Those sojourns helped Mondavi realize that California needed to improve its wines to gain acceptance in the nation's top restaurants and became the foundation of his vision for how California wines could gain greater respect.

We have been fortunate enough to have met this amazing man numerous times at wine events over the years.

To promote the marriage of food and wine, Mondavi and his wife, Margrit Biever Mondavi, created the "Great Chefs" programs at their Oakville winery in the 1970s. Each year, they hosted influential culinary masters, such as Julia Child and Paul Bocuse, to cook and experiment with different food and wine pairings.

Mondavi Mustard Seed Crusted Salmon with

Watercress Sauce

Serves: 4
Ingredients:

• -----------------------------------SALMON-----------------------------------
• 1/2 c Mustard seeds
• 2 1/2 c Bread crumbs from French
• -bread
• 2 tb Parsley, chopped
• 1 tb Thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 c Cream
• 2 Eggs
• 1 lb Salmon filet, cut crosswise
• -into four ounce pieces
• -without the skin

Instructions:
-----------------------------------SAUCE-----------------------------------
1/4 c Robert Mondavi Chardonnay
1/4 c Rice vinegar
1 tb Dijon mustard
1 c Green onions
1/2 c Watercress leaves
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 c Peanut oil

.
The Mondavi site is a treasure trove of great recipes to pair with their amazing wines.

Here's the URL:

http://www.mondavi.com/recipes/zws.html