[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 101 (Thursday, July 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF AL BROUNSTEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2006

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the beautiful and inspirational life of a true American icon. Al 
Brounstein, a longtime leader in California's Napa Valley and producer 
of some of the world's finest wines for over 30 years, passed away on 
June 26.
  While Al's name may not be easily recognized in these halls of 
Congress, millions of the constituents we represent have benefited from 
the extraordinary quality, high standards and international recognition 
he has brought to the American wine industry.
  Al Brounstein's single vineyard Diamond Creek cabernets have set the 
industry standard for quality and enduring structure for more than 
three decades. National and international wine critics have long 
credited Diamond Creek's unmatched success with Al's pioneering efforts 
in bringing the French tradition of ``Terroir'' to our shores. But to 
those of us who have had the pleasure of getting to know Al, it is at 
best naive to ignore the fact that more than any other single 
ingredient, Al's character was responsible for the works of art he 
bottled. The land and the climate were only a part. It was Al. Or as I 
like to call it: It was the Napa Valley tradition of ``Al'oir.''
  I had the honor and extreme pleasure of knowing Al and his wonderful 
wife Boots for many years. While the world outside of our valley may 
have known him for his wine, those fortunate enough to be a part of his 
community knew him for his sense of humor, his love of life, his loyal 
friendship and his heroic, 23-year battle against a debilitating 
neurological disease.
  Mr. Speaker, I know I am not the first and I certainly will not be 
the last public official to express his disappointment over a newspaper 
account. But I was angered to read a recently printed report regarding 
Al, stating he had passed away after ``losing his battle with 
Parkinson's.'' Those of us who knew Al well know that he did not 
``lose'' one darn thing to Parkinson's. Parkinson's may have picked the 
fight, but it was Al who ended up kicking its backside.
  Al fought it with a sense of humor and a wry wit that remains 
unmatched. He also fought it with his commitment and tireless efforts 
that raised millions of dollars to fund research for a cure.
  Mr. Speaker, if there is one disease in our modern time that knows it 
was in a fight, it is Parkinson's and it has Al's boot prints all over 
it. Every time he refused to complain about his illness, it took a 
kick. Every time he created another original painting that would be 
auctioned for research, it took a kick. And every time he tried to put 
his visitors at ease by shrugging off his tremors with a funny quip, he 
gave it another swift kick.
  All of us were so very proud of Al and Boots when he was recognized 
for his leadership in this field by winning the ``Buddy'' Award for 
Enduring Spirit at the Annual Morris K. Udall National Awards Ceremony 
just a few years ago.
  And Al's vision went far beyond making great wine and fighting 
disease. He had an equally unbridled vision and passion to make friends 
with nearly everyone he met. And, like his wine, he just did not simply 
make them, he nurtured and cared for them.
  Mr. Speaker, nearly a thousand of these very special friends are 
gathered today at the Culinary Institute of America to celebrate Al's 
remarkable life. They represent diverse backgrounds and many uncommon 
occupations brought together by one common influence.
  Al liked to refer to the famous budwood he creatively brought into 
California from France to start his vineyard as ``suitcase clones.'' 
Whether you knew him as a salesman in his early days or as a vintner, 
artist neighbor, national spokesman or loving family member, we all 
carry a little of Al with us today. We, in a sense, could be considered 
his budwood. And we, in a sense, have a responsibility to spread the 
spirit and vitality that defined this American icon.
  Al has encouraged us to be proud of what we do, focus on what 
matters, strive for quality, and always remember that we are all part 
of something that is much larger than ourselves.
  Like his wines, the powerful concentration of his vision and the 
enduring structure of his character will continue to last for a very 
long time through the lives he has touched.

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