90 points Wine Spectator: "There's an honesty in this pure, clean and authentic-tasting Pinot Noir. Mineral, blood-orange, blackberry character takes off unhindered by fancy oak; for aficionados of the real McCoy. (7/31/99)"

88 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "This is quite bright aromatically and it remains completely primary with an earthy mix of red and black pinot fruit giving way to precise and sweet middle weight flavors that possess good punch if not great density that culminate in solid length where only a touch of acidity pokes through. Unlike some '96s, this remains reasonably well balanced and while this could be approached now with pleasure, I would be inclined to wait another 2 to 3 years before consuming in earnest. In short, this is a solid if not truly great effort for its level. Drink: Try from 2008+. (Jul 2005)"