98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
- A youthful ruby red hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Haakon/Lenai Vineyard comes from 27-year-old vines in the main estate vineyard. A youthful bright magenta/ruby color, it offers darker berried fruit notes of wild black raspberries, layered spice, toasted cedar, umami, and licorice, with some red-fruited, high-toned lift shining through. There is real crystalline depth to this wine as well as more purity and clarity, and it has bright, ripe acidity, mouthwatering freshness, and a great finish. Its ripe tannins are very well-framed, and it has a long finish. Much more purity and clarity here. Drink 2024-2044. This is by far the best wine in the Purple Hands lineup.
96 Points - International Wine Report
- Another stunning Pinot Noir from winemaker Cody Wright, the 2022 Haakon/Lenai Pinot Noir by Purple Hands spent 10 months in 30% new French oak and showcases a shimmering light to medium neon ruby core with a light silvery rim. This intricate and complex wine is savory with meaty characteristics alongside black cherry, black raspberry, dried cedary herbs, and toasted walnut shells. It’s in a beautiful spot now, but will only improve over the next few years. 792 cases were made. Highly recommended.
94 Points - Wine Spectator
- Rich and full bodied, this red is jammed with compelling flavors of raspberry and jammy cherry. Takes on orange zest, clove and cinnamon accents before finishing with plump tannins. Drink now through 2032.
94 Points - James Suckling
- Notes of crushed red and blue berries with violets, plum skins and bitter orange undertones. A little spicy. Medium-bodied with a chalky texture and crunchy fruit and saline notes to it. Refreshing mineral finish. Drink or hold.
93 Points - Decanter
- From the organically farmed estate site on east-facing slopes in the Dundee Hills that was planted in 1998. The Haakon/Lenai Pinot Noir offers attractive floral notes of lush violets, candied red berries and turned soils. The palate is lushly textured, with layers of red and purple berries, a dollop of smoky clove, dried wild anise and dusty blackberries; there are notes of black tea and smoky cinnamon spice and earthen minerality that carry the finish.
91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
- A rich fruit aroma that comes close to cassis is punctuated by interesting notes of bitter artichoke and wet slate. This is a balanced, medium-bodied wine with a soft mouthfeel and flavors of blueberry gelato and mint tea. Serve with brunch to your favorite relatives.
