Renowned Winemaker Gál Dead at 46

We were saddened to hear via reader S.Z. of the death of one of Hungary's most renowned winemakers. We didn't know Tibor Gál (right), who was killed in an auto accident in South Africa last Thursday at the not-at-all-ready-to-go age of 46. But we did get to know some of his wines. Best known for working with our favorite non-Hungarian grape varietals - Pinot Noir and Syrah - he was a pioneer and apparently a tireless booster for the larger world of Hungarian winemaking. We try not to booze while on the job, but as soon as we get off we'll be drinking to Tibor, and it shouldn't be too hard to guess what we'll be toasting him with.