Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild meet for the first time in Hawaii. Baron Philippe proposes a joint venture. Baron Philippe invites Robert Mondavi to Bordeaux. Within an hour, they put together the framework of their plan. Mouton-Rothschild winemaker Lucien Sionneau and Timothy Mondavi make the partnership's first vintage at the Robert Mondavi Winery. The partners officially announce their joint venture. Robert Mondavi sells Q block (35 acres), part of his famous To-Kalon Vineyard, to the joint venture for its first estate vineyard. A single case of the joint venture wine sells for $24,000 at the first Napa Valley Wine Auction- the highest price ever paid for a California wine.
