Rating: 
Summary: the book's OK
Review: I share some of the criticisms of other contributors on Amazon who have given the book the lowest possible rating. It is wordy, repetitive, and poorly edited. The author himself revealed that he is not a great lover of books and his literary style indicates it. Granted, it is worthwhile to have this book, in spite of its technical faults, for the sake of having access and insight to the history of the man who virtually pioneered the art of making fine wine in Napa. While I found several passages irritating to read, I could not put the book down. The chapter describing the inception of Opus One with the Baron is great stuff. Early on the author stated his intention to make state-of-the-art Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Johannisberg Riesling. As the text progresses the author trumpets the region's many successes in the first three noble varietals, and adds the favourable results obtained with Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. He talks about his many trips to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, Spain, and the Mosel, to learn how the established top estates operate. Inexplicably, he makes no effort to explain what happened in his quest to make fine Riesling. I find that very surprising in light of his comment late in the book that he drinks a lot more Sauvignon/Fume Blanc than Chardonnay. The commentary provided by his sons and his second wife is very well presented, more tightly focused and cohesive than the rest of the book. On a personal note I was glad he mentioned the Bible's approval of wine consumption; however, he should also have emphasized consumption in moderation (see Ecclesiastes 5). The description of the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville CA was needless to say entertaining. The author claims half a million visitors a year, and I can assert the reasonableness of this claim based on having seen it very busy during a very rainy Sunday while many of the other wineries in the area had no visitors at all. It's most definitely worth a visit, if you have a designated driver. This book is recommended with reservations for the unique experience it offers.
Rating:
Summary: Worth reading, but barely
Review: It is inspirational to read about a man with such energy, passion and committment to his work. It is amazing and admirable that he would undertake the bold and risky venture of starting his own winery at age 52. His energy is remarkable. However, the same perfectionism and singlemindeness that helped him succeed at his winery also cost his to loose his wife and have strained relations with his sons and brother. How sad. After reading the book I would never want to work for him. Although he admits his errors in those areas, you don't really get the feeling that he would do it any differently. He is very full of himself and I wondered how much of the success of wine in California was as attributable to him as he seems to imply.
Rating: 
Summary: Chutkow's prose and Mondavi's story make this book a gem.
Review: It is the prose of Paul Chutkow, father of that crazy side-burned miscreant known only as "Chuts," and to his closest friends, "Butts," that makes this account a both riveting and fascinating look at the man who brought wine to America. Go Chuts!
Rating: 
Summary: Inspiring and full of spirit!
Review: It takes vision, drive and passion to start a new company from ground zero at the age of 52. Robert Mondavi is inspiring and a visionary, a true asset of our times. One can feel the desire for excellence and the passion of Mondavi pouring out of the covers of this book. I couldn't put the book down, once finished I had to pass it on to other people. Its place is to be read, not on the shelf.
Rating:
Summary: Mr. Mondavi's book reads like one of his fine wines.
Review: Its colorful, intriguing, and satisfying. I began reading it on a Sunday and I couldn't put it down, finishing it Monday morning. So much of what he says has direct relevance to life in general. Mr. Mondavi takes you through the good and the bad as he tries and succeeds at being "The Best." He's not afraid to admit his mistakes but best of all, he encourages us that its never to late to learn from them. His upbringing, dedication to family, hard work, love of food, wine and the arts as well as an appreciation for what really "matters" all contribute to this fascinating book. What an inspiration! What a wonderful life!
Rating:
Summary: Mondavi: a passionate visionary in pursuit of excellence.
Review: Robert Mondavi's passion for excellence is the catalist that splits a family apart, builds an empire, and brings California wines the world wide recognition they deserve. He shares the many lessons he has learned about business and life. At 85 years young he continues to pursue his passion and enjoy the "Italian way" of life. Salute to a man who is "as good as gold"!
Rating:
Summary: Mondavi - The King of Napa Valley
Review: The book was an easy read and I must admit I learned much about wine and the wine country. However, I am sure others as well as Mr. Mondavi were responsible for the changes in California wines. The book portrays Mr. Mondavi as "the prime force" in changing the valley's culture and wine industry.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting story, poorly written.
Review: This autobiography of Robert Mondavi is engaging and a good read for anyone interested in the story of California wine. The downside is that he is probably the only person who could overemphasize his contribution to the rise of the Napa Valley. His self congratulatory style and amatuerish writing style are almost too much to bear at times (On one page I counted four exclamation marks). Notwithstanding, I have to admit that I still really enjoyed the book. Take note, however, that this is coming from someone who has a fascination with the man and the wine he makes. For those who want a truly magnificent book about Napa Valley without the self promotion, try James Conway's "Napa." A stunning history.
Rating:
Summary: Wine, Money, Real Estate, Love and Life...This is it!
Review: This is a fascinating tell of Mr.Mondavi's first life and his second life. His first life begins with his growing up on his family's vineyard. His second life, and where the real story begins, is his having to break away from the family, in his 40's, and start all over again from scratch. Everyone knows Sam Walton's late entreperneurial start, more people should know Mr.Mondavi's story. By all accounts he was the father of the Napa Valley boom and every bit of the story is riveting. I was thoroughly impressed by this work and learned a prime lesson on individuality. Mr.Mondavi had a dream that was counter to his family and he could do nothing but pursue it. He had to set the trend and he did. Wine lovers around the world should be grateful to him. Thanks Mr.Mondavi, this book was really a Harvest of Joy.
Rating:
Summary: An inspiring and quick read
Review: This overview of Robert Mondavi's life's work was easy to read and educational. His passion for making excellent wine is conveyed throughout, and his perspective on Napa Valley's development provides an interesting snapshot of California history. The book is nicely typeset as well, making it easy to finish during a 4+ hour plane ride. Wine lovers will appreciate Robert Mondavi's continuing love, care, innovation and commitment to quality and continuous improvement of each wine.
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