Al Brounstein was the founder of Diamond Creek Vineyards. Established in 1968, it is
California's first Cabernet Sauvignon-only estate.

Brounstein, 86, died on Monday, June 26, due to complications from Parkinson's
disease. Brounstein was first diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1983.

Basing Diamond Creek on the model of the great estates of Bordeaux and Burgundy in
France, Brounstein planted his property as three separate vineyards, Red Rock
Terrace, Gravelly Meadow and Volcanic Hill, named for the different soils found in
each vineyard. In total, only 20 acres were planted. It was one of the first California
boutique vineyards.

He later added a fourth vineyard, Lake, and the 1978 Lake vintage was the first
California wine to break the $100 retail price barrier for a 750 ml bottle of wine.

Albert Jack Brounstein was born in Runnymeade, Saskatchewan, Canada, on Feb. 17,
1920 to Harry and Lily Brounstein.

Before he turned one year old, the family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. A few
years after graduating from the University of Minnesota, Brounstein took a trip to Los
Angeles. It was February, sunny and warm, and Brounstein phoned his parents to tell
them that he was going to move to Los Angeles.

Settling into LA, Brounstein married Nancy Ravitch in 1945. He eventually built up his
own wholesale business selling beauty supplies and proprietary drugs. Ravitch died in 1965.

At that time, he often recalled, "When I drank wine it was of the least expensive
variety. I would say, 'Why would anyone want to have anything besides Paul Masson
Vin Rose?' "

Later, to find out what all the fuss was about with more expensive wines, Brounstein
took an extension course at UCLA in wine appreciation. "After the course I said, 'Why
would anyone want to ever drink the Paul Masson Vin Rose?' "

Soon after that, in 1967, at age 47, Brounstein bought the land in the Napa Valley hills
near Calistoga on Diamond Mountain that would become Diamond Creek Vineyards.
It was the first commercial vineyard established on Diamond Mountain since
Prohibition.

In 1969 he married Boots Ross and soon the couple moved to San Francisco and then
the Napa Valley.

The first vintage of Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in 1972.

The Wine Spectator called the 1978 Diamond Creek Lake "One of the greatest
[Cabernet's] from California."

Brounstein is survived by his wife Boots, his son, Gary, step-sons Phil Ross and Chuck
Ross, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The funeral will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be
made to the Parkinson's Institute, 1170 Morse Ave, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94089.

There will be a celebration of Brounstein's life on Thursday, July 27
at the Culinary Institute in St. Helena, Calif.