What was your first vintage at Cutting Edge?

2014.

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

Spent 18 years in Fine Dining as well as Food and Beverage Manager at a Country Club. Spent another year as a sales representative for another company all the while fine tuning my skills.

What made you want to work for CES?

I always wanted to work for Cutting Edge if I decided to go into wine sales. The portfolio has always been great and it always had great leadership between Mark and Steve.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love the interaction with my accounts. I get to share great wine and conversation with many good people.

What is the best tasting event you have ever done?

One of the coolest tasting events I’ve done is a Tokaji and Foie Gras pairing. From Dry Furmint to Essencia all paired with different preparations of Foie Gras.

What was your 'light bulb' wine experience?

When I was General Manager at Limestone I had the opportunity to go to Pinot Camp. Getting to learn from some of the best winemakers in Oregon and Visiting the wineries really put it all in perspective.

What was your best wine trip/experience?

Italy was absolutely beautiful. I had a chance to visit many regions and wineries. From Bolgheri, Montalcino, Veneto and Abruzzo. This trip also helped to really really get a sense of place when tasting wine. The history, geography and regional verities. It was an amazing trip with great people.

What is your favorite wine and food pairing?

A nice grilled ribeye with a bottle of Priorat wine. Preferably a bottle of Alvaro Palacios Finca Dofi.

What is your desert island wine?

If I had to be stuck on an island with only one wine assuming it’s hot would be a Bottle of French Chenin Blanc. If it’s up north and cooler it would be something from Priorat. Finca Dofi.

What is your favorite cocktail?

My favorite cocktail is whatever my wife is mixing up. Usually something delicious. Although I do like a really good Negroni when out at a bar or restaurant.

Monty Hornback - Louisville & Lexington Sales