Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/688647
{ SOMMjournal.com } 47 sidebar) reflected one made by de Vere: "I live in Napa Valley because of Robert Mondavi." Several guests reflected on what life—and work—would have been like had Mondavi not made his bold move to start a new winery at the age of 53. Indeed, there is probably a book of alternate history waiting to be written (like Stephen King's 11/22/63 and Philip K. Dick's The Man in the High Castle) on how Napa Valley might have eventually evolved had Mondavi not left his family's Charles Krug Winery in 1965. But, as guests at the celebration delight - fully discovered, in true Robert Mondavi fashion, great wines other than those made at the winery were served during a special showing of the film SOMM: Into the Bottle, which takes place in part at the winery. As director Jason Wise's film flickered on the wall of the winery's Vineyard Room, four special wines mentioned in the documen - tary were served to the filmgoers: Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, 1997 Penfolds Grange, 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild and 2014 Matthiasson Chardonnay. Earlier, a rare Napa Valley Mondeuse varietal was poured at the opening reception, produced by Mondavi alumnus Stephen Lagier and Carole Meredith, the former U.C. Davis professor and clonal detective, at their Lagier-Meredith Winery on Mt. Veeder. The farewell lunch included the newest Robert Mondavi Winery bottling —the 2013 Maestro—a blend of 59% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec. In total, 18,000 cases were made with an SRP of $50. As Janssens says in the wine's official tasting notes, "Maestro is a serious wine with a humble soul. It celebrates both Robert Mondavi's work and his wisdom." The blend will vary from vintage to vintage. But, in fact, Maestro was not the 50th wine tasted. It was the 51st—a birthday favorite and "one to grow on"—as Napa Valley's most famous winery heads fearlessly toward the second half of its first century. Phil Freese, viticulturalist and husband and business partner of Zelma Long "We were making things up back then that are common practice today. I remember Bob as a man without a rear-view mirror, who didn't deal with relativities but with absolutes." Margrit Mondavi "Bob would say to people, 'Don't talk about it; do it.' And he gave them the opportunity." Glenn Workman, VP & General Manager, Robert Mondavi Winery "As Mr. Mondavi would always say, 'We're just beginning. We're just scratching the surface.'" Margrit Mondavi with Warren Winiarski, at the 50 Years, 50 Bottles gala honor- ing Robert Mondavi Winery's 50th anniversary. PHOTO: MJ WICKHAM ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY MILESTONES 1913 Robert Gerald Mondavi is born in Virginia, MN. 1965 Robert Mondavi leaves his family's Charles Krug Winery. 1966 First vintage of eponymous Robert Mondavi wine is produced while the Oakville winery is still under construction. 1969 Winery's first Summer Music Festival heralds in new Napa Valley era of wineries as cultural centers. 1979 Robert Mondavi and friend Baron Philippe de Rothschild launch Opus One across Highway 29 from the winery. 1985 High-density plantings are instituted in Robert Mondavi vineyards. 1993 Robert Mondavi goes public, offering 3.7 million shares at $13.50 per share. 2004 Constellation Brands purchases Robert Mondavi for about $1 billion. 2008 Robert Mondavi passes away peacefully on May 16th at the age of 94. 2016 Robert Mondavi Winery celebrates 50th anniversary. A bottle of Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc in the arms of a knotty vine.