Swift Malbec 2025

Swift Malbec is a bold, characterful Hawke's Bay red with concentrated dark fruit, smoky savouriness and plenty of youthful energy. Grown in the Bridge Pā Triangle and made with a hands-on, minimal-intervention approach, it combines Malbec's generous weight and chewy tannins with a surprisingly juicy, mouth-watering edge. The result is full-bodied and powerful without feeling heavy or predictable, offering a distinctive New Zealand alternative to the softer, riper styles often associated with the variety. Decant it while young and serve with steak, tomato-based pasta, hard cheeses or slow-cooked beef.

What the winery says:

Deep purple in colour, the wine opens with a notable oak character before revealing rich, smoky dark fruit, including red and dark berries, plum and Blackboy peach. The palate is full-bodied and lingering, with chewy tannins balanced by a lighter, salivating juiciness. The Malbec was sourced from the Bridge Pā Triangle in Hawke's Bay, then carefully picked, foot stomped and hand plunged. It underwent natural fermentation before spending 12 months in neutral oak. The finished wine contains 13% alcohol and benefits from time in a decanter before serving.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 94/100 (2025 Vintage)
"A dry wine on the palate, very youthful and taut, very fruity and classically vibrant with bold tannins and definitive acid line."