I agree, it looks like a deep purple but when I went to the store the first time it didn't wow me then I went yesterday with my violet and actually preferred the violet. Definitely a pretty color but I'm satisfied with the violet and would love him to come out with a deep purple.
I prefer the violet color also. The gold hardware really stands out. The grape with silver hardware seems kinda blah to me and typical of the metal one would use on a purple handbag.