DIAMOND MOUNTAIN WINEMAKER DIES

A celebrated winemaker and innovator, Al Brounstein lost his two-decade-plus battle with Parkinson’s disease Monday. As the founder of California’s first cabernet sauvignon-only wine estate, the 86-year-old vintner died at home beside his wife, Boots.

"Al was at the forefront of establishing the quality of Napa Valley wines," said fellow vintner John Shafer to the Napa Valley Register. "He took a lot of pride in his wines. He set the standard for the first wine auction ... his wines were his babies. And everybody loved him."