E for exceptional

2007 Crossroads Hawkes Bay Merlot and Chardonnay. Photos / Richard Robinson

The last time I saw Peter Cutfield was 1964. We met up again for lunch last week and I reminded him that in the critical School Certificate year, having been in A and B classes the previous year, we found ourselves unceremoniously dumped into 5E at Auckland Grammar.

I was so distressed I told my parents the E meant 5 English. Peter laughed and recalled he told his parents it stood for 5 Exceptional.

Prophetic? Maybe. I work with words and he has had a stellar career as, among other things, a merchant banker. Now, he is the chief executive of Ager Sectus Wine Estates, which includes, in its multi-million dollar portfolio, Crossroads, The Crossings and the predominantly export-focused brand, Southbank Estate.

The company has extensive plantings in Hawkes Bay and Marlborough with its Crossroads label probably the most accessible to New Zealand wine buyers.

It has won a clutch of gold medals for numerous varieties and is one of those "not too big, not too small" producers that is really starting to flex some muscle.

The really good news for consumers is that the wines, apart from being of consistent quality, are extremely well priced.

"I love wine and I love being involved in producing it", says Cutfield, "but we're not making it to look at. "My aim is to retain the passion in winemaking but to complement that with exemplary business thinking to ensure sustainable, long-term success both here and overseas."

To this end, Cutfield has gathered together an impressive, experienced team including former Corbans Wines CEO Noel Scanlan, master viticulturist John Van der Linden from Montana and principal winemaker Matthew Mitchell, formerly of Church Road.

The range includes chardonnay, gewurztraminer, syrah, cabernet merlot, sauvignon blanc and its flagship red blend, talisman.

2007 Crossroads Hawkes Bay Merlot
Has a dash of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc to add a bit of interest. Soft, full bodied with flavours of cassis, black doris plums and tobacco. Perfect winter warmer. Price: $19-$20

2007 Crossroads Hawkes Bay Chardonnay
Wonderful balance with peachy, citrusy characters and enough gentle oak to add some texture and body. Tending delicately dry. Excellent value. Price: $20