I couldn’t stop humming The Fifth Dimension’s ‘60s song “Up, Up and Away” as I began my assent to the peak of the Diamond Mountain AVA for my appointment at CONSTANT Diamond Mountain Vineyards.
“Boutique winery” is way overused these days so I will say this: CONSTANT Diamond Mountain is a somewhat lesser known, very small production winery with fantastic mountain estate vineyards for their onsite winemaking.
I’d driven up Pritchard Hill, Spring Mountain, Atlas Peak, and a few others in the Vaca and Mayacamas ranges running along the east and west sides of the Napa Valley, but this was by far the most beautiful drive yet! It reminded me of many of the drives I have made in northern Minnesota where the natural topography rules the roadbed and the tarmac gives way to the periodic and statuesque towering tree encroaching on what, in other areas, would be the road.
TIP: An appointment is mandatory and if you schedule a visit to CONSTANT Diamond Mountain plan ample time to enjoy the drive up!
The wine roots of CONSTANT go back to the late 1800s when a Danish farmer, Andras Rasmussen bought the land and began hand clearing the and to plant the first vines. As with far too many great Napa vineyards Prohibition took its toll, the winery folded, and the land went fallow. It wasn’t until 1993 that wine again would take root here atop Diamond Mountain again. A couple, Fred and Mary Constant, bought the overgrown land, began reestablishing the vineyard. They hired renowned architect Howard Backen to design their home/winery and committed to their vision of producing nothing but top flight wines from their land by hiring Philippe Melka as their first wine maker. CONSTANT’s first release was in 1995.
In late 2016, after the passing of Fred, Mary made the decision to sell the property and so CONSTANT entered a new era thanks to current owners, Aries Liu and Sai You. The ownership, or ‘property’s caretakers’ as they prefer, may have changed, but the commitment to continuing growing and producing the very best Napa wines hasn’t waiver one iota! Their team is a sterling one, clearly evidenced by the fact they have continued to retained Paul Hobbs in the Winemaker and Managing Director roles. Currently shepherding his tenth vintage for CONSTANT, when you compliment Mr. Hobbs with José Calderon as Assistant Winemaker and Vineyard Manager, I don’t think you can get a better team working with the traditional Bordeaux varietals they are growing!
The mid-October day I was atop Diamond Mountain was gorgeous. If you followed the 2018 growing season you know harvest was later than most and I was treated to seeing several blocks of Cabernet still hanging on the vines and saw Paul Hobbs personally walking the rows checking and rechecking their preparedness!
Amber, the Director of Hospitality for CONSTANT, was my tasting and tour host and you couldn’t ask for a better host anywhere! Her knowledge of the wines, vines, history, and property are top shelf and her personality is warm and friendly!
The tasting location is spectacular as you gaze out over the Valley with unparalleled views and the built-in the openness Backen created in the buildings takes full advantage of the surroundings, which include the vineyards, vistas, pond, olive grove, gardens, and more!
We were joined by Amber’s pup, Griffin for our tasting, which made it even more special, being a dog person and all!
Our tasting offered us a perfect range of opportunities to get a solid feel for CONSTANT wines. The wines poured for tasting (and their production) were 2012 Merlot (97 cases), 2014 Cabernet Franc (100 cases), 2014 Claret (450 cases), 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (390 cases), and 2013 Constancii Syrah (190 cases). Presentation was impeccable as were the light bites they offered to match with each wine.
Every wine was incredibly smooth, rich, and layered beautifully! I am partial to mountain fruit and CONSTANT fruit did not disappoint at all. While picking a favorite was impossible, I will say we left after ordering their 2014 and 2015 Claret plus a supply of 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon for our cellar.
A visit to CONSTANT Diamond Mountain Vineyards is an amazing combination of world-class Napa wines, world-class vistas, and world-class hospitality!
Oh, and don’t forget the world-class drive on your way up, too!
Cheers!