2025 TTT STH Pinot Noir $38

Nice guys finish last. That's a familiar catchcry in the sporting world but it could easily be applied to winemakers. You seldom hear much of Ricky Evans's exploits but his wines are as reliable as a Swiss watch, and frequently deliver similar rolled gold quality. It's just that he doesn't enter wine shows, doesn't blow his own trumpet or do much else to attract attention, apart from running a very nifty little wine bar on Charles Street (Launceston) called Havilah.

The Havilah label itself is typically applied to Evans's cheekier wines. Those badged Woodlawn and Two Tonne Tasmania are more likely to find their way into your fave wine shop or eatery. Just as it should be. They're very smart indeed.

A recent tasting with man-of-few-words Evans brought forth a whole barrowload of excellent wines, and on any given day my top TTT choices would be different. They have their maker's thumbprints all over them. I especially love the vibrancy and juiciness of the 2025 TMV Pinot Noir for its current drinking enjoyment.

The STH label showcases Pinot Noir handcrafted from small lots grown in the Derwent Valley, Coal River Valley and Huon Valley. Different growers, different growing conditions, different harvest dates. But same methodical approach to winemaking. Same oak maturation. Same polished finish.

The 2025 vintage produced record crops across the State with premium quality as well. Many Pinot Noirs from 2025 feature engaging aromatics and display considerable charm and elegance on the palate.

STH fits that mould. The wine included around 10 percent whole bunch fermentation but nevertheless has a little more structure than its TTT stablemates. There's also a food-friendly savouriness. Evans says the extra verve comes from a young vineyard in the Huon called Riverbell. You can see how that plays to the wine's advantage, with the other components coming from older vineyards contributing a little more tannin.

Blends of Pinot Noir often show a broader spectrum of aromas and flavours than single vineyard wines and that's the case here. The net effect is a wine that's ripe and juicy, but comes with enough muscle to handle a big steak or develop further in a cool dark cellar.

It wouldn't surprise me to hear it's developed wonderfully well over 10 years. Ring me in 2036.

PS TTT wine prices also develop slowly. These wines were well-priced at $35 five vintages back.

Source: Cellar door tasting at Havilah Wine Bar

www.tttwine.com.au

Last page update: 29 September 2026