Michel Rolland, who helped the Bordeaux region regain its prominence efore becomingthe driving force for the emerence of Napa Valley 'cult" Cabernets including the Robert Mondavi Winery. At one point, he was the world's most in-demand wine consultant, helping spawn the "flying winemaker" term.

While traveling the world consulting for other winemakers, Rolland remained rooted in Bordeaux. He assumed control of his family's Château Le Bon Pasteur in Pomerol in 1978, along with his brother Daniel. With Dany, he purchased Chateau Fontenil in Fronsac in 1986. He acquired other wineries, but eventually sold majority ownership to Hong Kong's Goldin Group in 2013, although he continued to oversee production.

Eventually, as inevitably happens, the style most associated with him – one that leaned into ripeness, extraction and obvious new oak elevage – began to become less popular, and some prominent estates in Bordeaux shifted their styl to emphasize restraint and freshness.

Survivors: his brother Jean-Daniel, his wife, Dany, their two daughters, Stéphanie and Marie, and five grandchildren.