What was your first vintage at Cutting Edge?

2018

What other experience do you have in the wine/restaurant industry? How did this experience set you up for success at CES?

I have worked for several other wine distributors and also an importer. I owned and operated a fine dining restaurant for 7+ years. I have made many associations in the industry over the years and it has opened many doors for me. I also purchased and became familiar with many brands in CESs portfolio through my restaurant. I might add that more than a few producers I once bought from other distributors have now found a permanent home at CES!

What made you want to work for CES?

It was time. I had known Mark Maher since the beginning when I was a new rep for Metamora Imp. Back in the early '90s. The stars finally lined up and I feel like I am home at last.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Turning customers on to a favorite wine and watching them become enamored. Also, writing big, fat orders!

What is the best tasting event you have ever done?

I loved Bordeaux vs Washington. I even recreated the event in miniature at a retail account later. As many folks as stayed to one side of the room(Bord) or the other(Wash) I couldn't keep from bouncing side to side, comparing wines and stories!

What is your favorite wine on a snow day?

Whisky. Winter dinner wine would be Bordeaux

What region that you have not been to would you most like to visit?

Burgundy/Rhone Valley. So diverse and yet so close! Again, humble cotes du rhone to grand cru pinot noir and all the history! Romanee Conti, Chat. du Pape, etc.

What is the best bottle of wine you’ve ever received as a gift?

I rarely get wine as a gift. Everyone things I already have wine. When I do get a gift, it’s generally weak sauce.

What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show and why?

Edward Abby stuck a chord with me in the few books of his I have read. Loved the introspection of Desert Solitaire over the topic of encroachment by cattle ranchers. I used to really look forward to every Esquire magazine for Jim Harrison's the Raw and the Cooked. And finally, Anthony Bourdain, both his writing and his string of travel shows. Miss that guy.

If you could share a bottle of your favorite wine with any person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Mom. She passed way too early and was my first wine teacher. She never really got to see me at my best in this industry that she incidentally prepared me for, or my restaurant.

What is one place in the world you would love to visit?

Patagonia. Must be so exotic. Although, Anthony Bourdain made much of Asia look incredible.

What skill do you have that would surprise others?

I can whistle with any two fingers from either or both hands.

Cole Davis - Cleveland Sales