Michel Rolland passed away a few hours ago. I knew him for close to 20 years. He was always a warm, funny engaging person who raised beautiful, charming daughters. He was always open when asked a question and was happy sharing views and information.
Michel worked with wineries all over the world. While he is best known for Bordeaux, he worked with many of the best estates in China, Spain, Napa and other countries as well. He sold the majority of his business a few years ago. Though he kept a busy schedule and worked with his favorite clients until the end. Born in 1947, just months before his 80th, he never lost his passion for his work, family or life.
Not funny or cool. He was a father, grandfather and husband with friends all over the world. He was a true, giant in his field. You don’t have to like his work, but at death, be respectful.
Sad to hear of his passing. A quick story of meeting him in the Uco Valley of Argentina. My wife and I were on a visit to the Mendoza wine area and staying at a small inn in Uco Valley. At dinner, shortly after we sat down at our table, an elderly couple walked in with a slightly younger man. As soon as he started talking I recognized the voice from watching some videos/movies about him (eg., Mondovino). Sure enough it was Michel. It just so happened we had ordered a bottle of one his wines for our table (Clos de la Siete). Later, he came over and said that if we liked the wine we had on our table, we’d really like “this wine”. And he gave us a partially consumed bottle that he had been tasting with his friends. It was a great wine but for the life of me I can’t remember which Argentinian bottling it was. It was nice to meet him and experience some of his generosity.
RIP. While I was not a huge fan of his BDX wines and consults, his impact on wine is undeniable, and his partnership with Shoup in WA with Long Shadows produced one of the best Merlot’s in the US with Pedestal.
Rolland and Parker changed Bordeaux; some changes were good, some not so good. I don’t think I need to go through my reasons for not loving his wines, but rather the positives Rolland brought in.
Many of the people who list him as a consultant use him only the vineyards. He and his people excel here.
There were also some pretty horrible wines being made in Bordeaux. A good example was L’Arrivet Haut Brion. I remember a dinner at the chateau, and we were served one dire wine after another.
The new owners had hired Rolland, and the new vintage 1996 was so much better than the old ones. Night and day. He had forced them to delay picking, and delay for weeks rather than days. The owner said the best day of his life was when Rolland approved the sugars and let him pick.
Larger than life, big sense of humor and a wonderful curiosity.
Sorry for your loss Jeff. A sudden, unexpected passing is that much more difficult.
About 20 years ago, our group did a tasting at Rolland’s lab in Bordeaux of wines he consulted on from around the globe. They wrote in English on the whiteboard in the tasting room that greeted us as we entered:
“Welcome Bordeaux Wine Enthusiasts to the Purple Tongue Tour!”
I had the opportunity to sit in on a blending session with him. Impressive wouldn’t even begin to describe watching him work, one of the real pleasures I’ve had being in the business.
RIP - I met him once and found him very amusing, with a mischievous twinkle in the eye. I wasn’t a fan of most of the wines he advised on, but he certainly helped many proprietors to up their game.
had he been sick?
Or vice versa?