2025 Havilah Pinot Nouveau

"Just delightful wines that are built for drinking not thinking."
- Dave Brookes (Halliday Wine Companion)

This is Havilah's answer to those juicy, light Italian reds that disappear far too quickly on a sunny afternoon. Ricky Evans isn't trying to make a brooding, serious Pinot here. He is aiming for pure, unadulterated refreshment. Inspired by the smashable wines poured in wine bars over summer, this is a "thirst crusher" designed to be chilled down and drunk with gusto.

The backbone of the wine is Pinot Noir, specifically the Abel clone from Ricky's own farm. He picks it nice and early to keep the acid crunch, fermenting it as whole berries for just six days before pressing it off to old barrels. He also includes a portion of carbonic maceration to give the aromatics a distinct pop.

But the secret sauce lies in the other varieties. He splashes in some Meunier picked at sparkling ripeness for extra zip, and a hit of Pinot Gris to "loosen" the wine up. The Gris smooths out the red tannins and gives the palate a slippery, easy-drinking texture. It is bright, crunchy and incredibly fun.