Helen & Joey Estate Layla Chardonnay 2018

Here we have a Chardonnay where plenty of effort has clearly been made in both the winery and the vineyard to craft a wine with quite serious complexity. Bright mid straw in colour, it opens with an attractive array of fruit, primarily in the melon and nectarine spectrum, so a riper style of Yarra but in no way heavy. Savoury elements add interest with nougat and praline barrel ferment complexity plus butter and floral elements which are also in play. The palate is then bright, fresh and tangy, with a creamy mouthfeel proceeding to a finish of good complexity and length. It is at its peak right now and will stay there for another couple of years at least.

Angus Hughson

Founder at Winepilot

Angus is an award-winning wine writer and the Founder and Publisher of Winepilot, the Australian Editor for leading international publication VINOUS with Antonio Galloni based in New York City and the Co-Publisher of The Australian Ark with over 15 years of publishing, writing and judging experience.

Critic and publisher