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What do Elizabeth Taylor, Tiger Woods and RoberMondavi have in common? It’s pretty hard to say. They’re all famous, of course. The first two are much more famous than the latter, however, even though “Robert Mondavi” might be the most recognizable wine name in the world.
The key is that all three are Californians, and they were inducted into the California Hall of Fame last night by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver. I might have also asked what does Robert Mondavi have in common with the other 10 inductees: Ansel Adams, Milton Berle, Steve Jobs, Willie Mays, Rita Moreno, Jackie Robinson, Jonas Salk, John Steinbeck, Earl Warren and John Wayne.
Bob Mondavi is about 94 now, and pretty frail. He still gets around, but usually in a wheelchair, as he did last night at Sacramento’s California Museum for History, Women and the Arts with his wife Margrit Biever, for the induction ceremony. He had stayed really active, energized and articulate until his 90s, able to engage audiences and launch business initiatives like no one else in wine. But after the sale a few years ago of the winery he founded in 1966 and the publication earlier this year of a probing book about his family and business crises, it’s finally apparent that the domestic wine industry doesn’t have Bob Mondavi leading its charge any longer.
Which makes me wonder, who has taken his place? I don’t mean at the Robert Mondavi Winery. It’s now owned by Constellation Brands and they have experienced winemakers and business people running things. I mean who will replace him in his role as the spokesperson for Napa Valley and California wines? His role didn’t really stop there, either. I’d argue that he was the world’s most listened-to proponent of progress in winemaking.
Can anyone take over this job? Would anyone want to? Who do you think could?
Some candidates might include:
Jess Jackson, founder of Kendall-Jackson and owner of myriad high-quality wine estates. He has succeeded hugely but as a maverick, making his own rules of distribution and mastering the art of making very large quantities of very good wine, much of it from his own estate vineyards. Drawback? He goes his own way and is not exactly a kid anymore, either.
Jerry Lohr, founder of J. Lohr Estates. Like Mondavi, he supports and leads many industry wide efforts, is very supportive of better technology and techniques for growing grapes and making wine. Drawback? Operating in Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties, does he lack the Napa-style glamor necessary?
Randall Grahm, founder of zany, successful Bonny Doon and Pacific Rim wineries, champion of screwcaps, accomplished newsletter writer and amusing lecturer. Drawback? Any of the preceding.
Who do you nominate?
Filed under: Industry Issues
4 Comments
December 9th, 2007 at 7:25:46 AM
Jim – You pose an interesting question that may not have a definitive answer. The wine ‘industry’ has evolved into something far different than that of the 1970′s, in particular the Napa Valley. Although the three individuals mentioned are respected, dynamic and seasoned veterans, I see no one person ascending the throne once occupied by Mondavi. And I do not believe anyone would want the ‘job.’
December 9th, 2007 at 7:16:04 PM
Jim – It is difficult for one person to have the pervasive persona that Robert Mondavi projected for both California and Napa. He was so charismatic, personable and articulate that he truly is irreplaceable.
Probably in my view for Napa Valley Bill Harlan would be the guy most likely to be in the position to speak with passion and conviction about Napa . Historically he has the pedigree and he has so many unique accomplishments that really make him
someone worthy of profound respect.
For California both Jess Jackson and Gina Gallo would be superb candidates. Both are articulate speakers and Gina is the face for the single most well known legendary brand in wine. It would be refreshing to have a young woman winemaker as a leading light for the California wine industry.
Both Jess Jackson and Gina Gallo speak to family traditions of winemaking and are true Californians.
Adam
December 10th, 2007 at 12:01:42 PM
Jim, I agree with both Ed and Adam that it will be difficult if not impossible for anyone to be the “next” Robert Mondavi. Seldom in wine history has someone come along with that degree of dominance. Nor is it necessary for the wine industry to have a single “face.” It’s a much more complicated industry than it was in the 70s, 80s and even 90s. Robert Mondavi is that rare individual, someone with the charisma and energy to do what he did. We won’t see his likes for a long time.
December 11th, 2007 at 8:01:29 PM
I agree with Adam Strum. I think that Jess Jackson and/or Gina Gallo could be the dynamic personality that continues the position as the face of California wine. I think that Gina has a better shot, however, as Jim pointed out, Jess might be a bit too “mature” to lead for any extended period of time. On the other hand, despite Gallo of Sonoma’s extensive marketing, I don’t hear Gina quoted or spoken about as often as Jackson. She’s young enough to have time to change that, however.
Interestingly, the Gina Gallo’s ascent in her wine business is somewhat similar to Mondavi’s own. Krug was a basically a bulk, low-end wine producer until Bob decided to kick it up a notch, leading to the famous family split. I don’t know if Gina had a first-hand influence in the decision to make Gallo of Sonoma a premium brand, but they’ve certainly portrayed that image.
A very interesting article, thanks!