A new book charting the history of Napa doyens the Mondavis is set to cause a storm on its release next month – so much so that no review copies are being distributed.
The House of Mondavi, by Wall Street Journal writer Julia Flynn Siler, follows the 100-year history of the Napa A-listers, starting with the arrival of Cesare Mondavi in the US in 1906. It ends in 2005 with the fracture of the family business and the 25th Auction Napa Valley which was originally started by the family.
The book, which took three years to write, is expected to cause quite a stir on its release.
''It's a very painful and kind of sad story,' the writer told Wine Business magazine.
The magazine said the book was 'expected to be, at the very least, somewhat controversial'.
'The blood feuds are as spectacular as the business triumphs,' say the publishers, Gotham books (an imprint of Penguin USA).
However, Siler does tout its 'meticulous' research, saying that over 500 hours of interviews with over 250 people, including members of the Mondavi family, 'to make sure their perspective was included', went into writing the book.
The House of Mondavi is out in the US on June 21.
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This book sounds like this stuff is 'news' It is probably mostly old news being dragged up again, but people love to hear about the sadness and disasters of others. Its nothing new.
Gail Bickett
Not having seen the book I am concerned how Robert Mondavi is depicted. He is the kindest and most generous person in the wine industry world wide. If the author has a different view, she could be treated.
Max Lake, Sydney, Australia
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This book sounds like this stuff is 'news' It is probably mostly old news being dragged up again, but people love to hear about the sadness and disasters of others. Its nothing new.
