Fruit was picked in 10 lots spanning three weeks from Maroondah Highway’s more iron-flecked parcels. This is denser and more closed than the estate wine, with ripe but ruffled tannins which still clasp the dark, brooding blackberry and plum fruit. Spicy pimento and black pepper then earthier, granitic notes unfurl with time in the glass. It's vinified similarly to the Estate Syrah, but is aged exclusively in 500l French oak puncheons, 40% new, for 12 months.

94 points, Sarah Ahmed, Decanter (July 2018)

A fragrant, brambly, redder -fruited style that has a swathe of deeply integrated oak spice. The palate is fleshy and round, quite creamy and dense with smooth, even tannins. Carries well.

93 points, JamesSuckling.com (June 2019)

The 2015 Melissa's Paddock Syrah was aged in 40% new French oak, but it manages to retain a delightful peppery edge to its nose, backed by layers of plummy fruit and subtle barrel char. It's medium to full-bodied, framed by supple tannins that turn just a bit dusty on the long, spice-driven finish. It strikes a fine balance between fruity and savory notes, tying those elements together in a soft, fine web of tannin, which makes for a lovely expression of Yarra Valley Syrah.

93 points, Wine Advocate (May 2020)