Resting for 10 months in 40% new French oak barrels, with the rest being neutral, this Dijon and Pommard clone Pinot Noir from the Haakon/Lenai Estate Vineyard brings a meaty, black-fruited, and earth-driven nose in the glass. Presenting a dark ruby core with a neon purple rim, it boasts flavors and aromas of boysenberry preserve, freshly picked blackberry, black licorice, pencil shavings, and just a hint of desert mountain sagebrush. It finishes clean and fruit-forward and ends with a bitter orange note on the very back palate.
by JY, Int'l Wine Report , 2022
This has aromas of wild raspberries, lemons, cranberries, cardamom and tulips. Some sweet paprika. Creamy and elegant with silky tannins, a medium body and gently spicy finish. Drink or hold.
by JS, James Suckling , 2022
Fresh yet brooding, with deep raspberry, espresso and savory anise flavors that take on tension and intensity toward medium-grained tannins.
by TF, Wine Spectator , 2023
The 2021 Pinot Noir Haakon Lenai has layered aromas of cranberry, mossy bark, charcuterie and fernet with touches of garrigue and citrus peel. The light-bodied palate is finely chalky and mouthwatering with detailed, Angostura-laced flavors. It offers concentration without weight and is easy to drink without sacrificing complexity.
by EB, Robert Parker , 2023
Purple Hands is a low input, purity-driven winery. Ferments are a mixture of techniques: Pied de Cuve, native yeasts, and some commercial strains as needed. Whole cluster and skin macerations are vintage-dependent styles. Wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered to retain the honesty of the vineyard.