Editor’s Note: Lou will be profiling local wine gurus in an occasional series for Tahoe Weekly.
No, the headline is not click bait, there really is a bona-fide New York City sommelier right here in Lake Tahoe. To be specific, he is Tom Lynam, who is now the wine guy at Raley’s in Incline Village, Nev. His wine journey started at Lake Tahoe in the 1980s at La Petit Pier in Tahoe Vista under the infamous Jean Dufoe. A more demanding restauranteur there has never been in these parts and those who survived his boot-camp-style training have gone on to great careers in the industry. Lynam’s journey took him to the Four Seasons and then to one of the pinnacles of the wine world at Eleven Madison Park in Manhattan.
Seeking a saner lifestyle and wanting to spend more time with his wife and daughter, he returned to Tahoe, which led to his position at Raley’s.
So, when my publisher, the amazing Kat Hill, cut me loose to take a deep dive in a series of feature articles, Lynam was at the top of my list. To diverge a bit, these columns will profile several of our regional wine gurus — and their wine businesses — all of whom I am confident will guide you through the ever-evolving monde de vin.
As you would expect from someone of Tom’s pedigree and experience, his philosophy is to explore your wine preferences and give options that fit you.
As you would expect from someone of Lynam’s pedigree and experience, his philosophy is to explore your wine preferences and give options that fit you. He is also sensitive to a buyer’s budget and has a knack for getting to that important point while making the customer feel comfortable with the process. Raley’s wine department is a store within a store, with about 2,000 selections available and a great diversity of wine types, regions and price points.
Speaking of prices, Raley’s offers everything from the bargain basement to the penthouse and a 30-percent discount when you purchase any six or more 750-ml bottles. You can mix and match wines. I find the discounted prices to be better values than even the big-box stores prices for the same wines. The selection is uniquely strong at the top end with some real values; some of which I will point out further along here.
Top Picks
Lynam and I wanted to give our favorites at various price levels, and these include the 30 percent discount. He loves the Edna Valley Chardonnay for its true flavors and balance and at $9.99 it’s a steal. I think Pinot lovers should do a major scoop-up of the Benton-Lane Willamette Valley for $14.40. Moving up, Lynam recommends the Daou Family Estates Soul of a Lion Cabernet for $99. My collector’s alert is the Sassicaia Super Tuscan at the lowest price anywhere of $245.
Savvy diners already know the value of a top-level sommelier. Tom Lynam brings to that a true service mentality that anyone can appreciate.
