Juicy dark blueberries and plums lead the charge, followed by a flick of dried herb, cocoa, and gentle peppery spice. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, with fresh acidity keeping everything bright and drinkable. Tannins are soft but present - enough grip for food, without getting in the way. There’s a subtle savoury note through the middle (think olive tapenade or dried oregano) that adds depth, and the finish lands clean, fruit-forward, and moreish.

Samantha May Wines is one of those wine labels that feels quietly confident - all sunshine, spice and modern ease, with serious intent behind the scenes. Led by winemaker Sam Sutherland, the approach is firmly vineyard-first: organic practices, minimal fuss in the cellar, and a clear preference for wines that taste like where they’re grown, not what’s been done to them. Think bright fruit, savoury edges, and the kind of balance that makes you reach for a second glass without noticing. Sustainability isn’t a tagline here either - it’s baked in, from soil health and thoughtful farming through to lighter-touch winemaking decisions that keep the wines lively and honest. The look matches the mindset: contemporary packaging that’s made for the way we actually drink now - at a picnic table, on a weeknight, in the park with mates, or poured straight from the fridge without ceremony. It’s Mudgee (and Orange!) with a fresh lens: regional character, but dialled into the present. If you like your wines vibrant, purposeful, and just a little bit unexpected, you’re in very good hands.