Praise

“Great achievements, whether in cinema, wine, or life, come from a belief that artistry can change the world. Napa Valley reflects that belief, and Cabernet Sauvignon has become its most recognized expression. Richard Mendelson tells the story of how that came to be—of the people, the land, and the commitment that built this wine region recognized around the world. I recognize this story as my own, one that belongs to all of us who believe in the power of place, community, and one remarkable grape.”

~ Francis Ford Coppola 

“My grandfather Cesare Mondavi believed that sharing a meal and a good wine was life’s most important social institution. He and my grandmother Rosa brought that spirit to California in 1919, just as Prohibition began, believing Napa Valley’s soil and climate could produce red wines of depth and elegance. My father Robert carried that vision forward, founding Robert Mondavi Winery and later partnering with Baron Philippe de Rothschild to create Opus One, helping put Napa Valley on the world map. I’ve been fortunate to continue that journey through our family’s Continuum. Richard’s passion for great food and wine brought him to Napa Valley, where his zest for life and keen legal mind quickly placed him at the center of its evolution. I am proud to have worked with him to establish the appellation framework for Napa Valley. His ongoing work continues to enhance and protect the integrity of the region, its people, and its wines. In Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon is King. It is what binds us. Richard’s fascinating book tells the story of that journey. It is unique in its perspective, accuracy, and thoroughness, and a joy to read. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves great food and wine.”

~ Tim Mondavi

 “From the beginning, I have believed that Napa Valley had the potential to stand among the great wine regions of the world. Cabernet Sauvignon has been central to that vision, and Richard Mendelson has captured both the history and the spirit of how this remarkable valley has fulfilled so much of that promise. He tells this story with rare depth and clarity, connecting history, law, and personal experience in a way no one else could. For those of us devoted to Napa’s long arc, this book is both a record and an inspiration.”

~ Bill Harlan

“Napa Valley Cabernet is the savior of the Agricultural Paradise that is the Napa Valley, but the story has never been told—until now. No one is more qualified to tell that story than Richard Mendelson, who chronicles the rise of Napa Cabernet before and after my arrival in 1969. He brings to the subject the insight of a scholar, the precision of a lawyer, and the passion of someone who has lived it. This book is essential reading for anyone who cares about Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, or the future of fine wine in America.”

~ Andy Beckstoffer

“This book captures the soul of Napa Valley as I’ve known it. My family’s legacy in winemaking here stretches back to 1879, and through all the change one notable constant endures—Cabernet Sauvignon. With insight, scholarship, and passion, multi-gifted Richard Mendelson tells the story of the people, the values, the magnificent land, and the conservation efforts that have shaped our valley. These pages are a tribute to our history and an inspiration for the future.”

~ Robin Lail

 “Richard Mendelson sees Napa Valley as no one else does, with his unique combination of legal expertise, historical knowledge, deep familiarity with the land and, above all, passion for wine. Here, he tells the story of this extraordinary valley through the lens of its most famous output, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. But this is not merely a book about vines: Mendelson has written a profoundly human story, with reverence for the trailblazers who believed that Cabernet could become Napa’s destiny. When he treats the developments of California’s wine laws and regulations—something that might feel arcane in another writer’s hands—Mendelson makes them into a page-turner. For those who love Napa Cabernet, this is an essential book.”

~ Esther Mobley, San Francisco Chronicle