Emerson L.
Yelp
My experience at Comstock was just okay. I hate to write a three star review but I hope my comments can be helpful for both the winery and potential customers. Frankly I don't write that many reviews compared to how many places I go, but today I am compelled to leave some feedback.
Upon checking in, I was greeted and seated friendlily. The setting is very lovely and the views are breathtaking. Upon receiving tasting menus, I observed that the tasting fee was not noted, nor was it noted whether or not a purchase would waive the tasting. As a fan of the Dry Creek area and scanning the tasting list, I decided it did not matter, to a certain extent, but hoped the team would use their communication skills to inform the dynamics of the experience. As a red drinker, and lover of Pinot Noir, I inquired if by taking the red tasting experience I could 'add in the Pinot', since it was only on the mixed tasting, and not the red. As a fan of Rhones as well, the Grenache and Syrah made me opt for the red.
Anyway, the fellow pouring had no issue making that exception, and by the way -- the initial pour of blanc-de-blanc was very nice and not listed. So indeed, there was something not listed to be loved.
I want to say that personally I thought the wines were unremarkable. My favorite, ironically, was the Pinot Noir. I didn't think the wines were bad by any means. I could tell a great deal of care went into the winemaking. Much of it probably pairs fine with food, but nothing was incredibly interesting, they all just kind of tasted the same to me. They were drinkable and smooth, but again, not incredibly interesting. Nothing big about the zin, nothing earthy about the cab, and the Rhones were just kind of boring. No tanens anywhere in [sight]. The Pinot was my favorite, but wasn't good enough to spend $55 for a bottle (an amount I frequently do spend on a bottle that I like).
Since the tasting was lackluster, I was ready to head out. In communicating the same, I learned the following: the tasting is $30. The tasting fee is not waived with the purchase of any amount of bottles. There was no up-sale to join the club (not that I would have). Now, again, this would not have affected my decision to stay and try the wines. But it certainly would have been nice to know in advance, whether by voice or print. Finally, the POS system printed the check, allowed for a tip PRIOR to running the card. The pourer said, "like a restaurant!". No, buddy, at a restaurant you tip after you run the card. Details are important. There were a few other quirks of my visit, however I did start getting hungry and annoyed by little things. So I think I have said enough.
Overall given the hundreds of places to try in the area and beyond, this was my first and last time visiting Comstock.
