Reviewing in ''
Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies (1981), Robert Christgau called New Wine in Old Bottles'' "the best McLean album in over a decade" and said, "the saxophonist's work here surpasses that on his European
SteepleChase outings because the rhythm section of Hank Jones, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams encourages him to think as fast as he can play, which is plenty fast."
AllMusic awarded the album 4½ stars, stating: "It was an inspired idea to match alto saxophonist Jackie McLean with the Great Jazz Trio, a regularly working unit on record and in concert led by the outstanding pianist Hank Jones, joined by two first call players, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams... Jones' advanced playing may be a eye-opener for some fans who do not realize how advanced and wide ranging a pianist he is." ==Track listing==