June 1, 2014Down with the "Somm"Long live the service-minded sommelierBy Tandy Tillinghast-VoitSommeliers possess a unique power and influence over fine wine purchases. Before you open the menu, the somm asserts, “I have the wine for you.” Without waiting for a response, he launches into a description of a California Riesling. “It’s just perfect,” the somm says. When the wine arrives, the somm uncorks the wine and whisks away to another table. It is our job to assess wines, not to drink them on the job.”If you want even more myths about sommeliers, I suggest watching the documentary “Somm” — no, please don’t!