Courts in Texas, California, Separately Reject Houston Lawyer’s Claim to Stake in Napa Winery

Back in the 1990s, Houston lawyer Robert Roach and California vintner Frederick Schrader bonded over a shared love of wine, and after a dinner in 1997 with their respective romantic partners at the French Laundry, the friendship blossomed. 

They first met when Roach, already a member of several exclusive wine clubs in Houston, began traveling to Napa Valley. During one trip he met Schrader, whom he was familiar with based on his reputation and success in the wine industry. The friendship between the men grew to the point where each considered the other his best friend, according to testimony. The duo traveled the world, shared confidences. Roach even served as the best man in Schrader’s 2005 wedding to Carol Schrader, and from then on they called themselves the Three Musketeers.