Parker Praises the late Robert Mondavi

from the AP:

''He had the single greatest influence in this country with respect to high quality wine and its place at the table,'' wine critic Robert Parker wrote in a chat room posting on his Web site Friday. He called Mondavi ''an exceptional man....a true pioneer...a legendary pathfinder.....and I feel so priviledged to have known him...a sad day...but also one to pay homage to his enormous contributions.''